Experimental Investigation and Demonstration of Rotary-Wing Technologies for Flight in the Atmosphere of Mars

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Young, L. A.; Derby, M. R.; Demblewski, R.; Navarrete, J.

2002-01-01

This paper details ongoing work at NASA Ames Research Center as to experimental investigations and demonstrations related to rotary-wing technologies that might be applied to flight in the atmosphere of Mars. Such Mars rotorcraft would provide a 'three-dimensional mobility' to the exploration of the Red Planet. Preliminary results from isolated rotor testing in Mars-representative atmospheric densities, as well as progress towards coaxial test stand development are discussed. Additionally, work towards the development and use of surrogate flight vehicles -- in the terrestrial environment -- to demonstrate key technologies is also summarized.

SmallWorld Behavior of the Worldwide Active Volcanoes Network: Preliminary Results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Spata, A.; Bonforte, A.; Nunnari, G.; Puglisi, G.

2009-12-01

We propose a preliminary complex networks based approach in order to model and characterize volcanoes activity correlation observed on a planetary scale over the last two thousand years. Worldwide volcanic activity is in fact related to the general plate tectonics that locally drives the faults activity, that in turn controls the magma upraise beneath the volcanoes. To find correlations among different volcanoes could indicate a common underlying mechanism driving their activity and could help us interpreting the deeper common dynamics controlling their unrest. All the first evidences found testing the procedure, suggest the suitability of this analysis to investigate global volcanism related to plate tectonics. The first correlations found, in fact, indicate that an underlying common large-scale dynamics seems to drive volcanic activity at least around the Pacific plate, where it collides and subduces beneath American, Eurasian and Australian plates. From this still preliminary analysis, also more complex relationships among volcanoes lying on different tectonic margins have been found, suggesting some more complex interrelationships between different plates. The understanding of eventually detected correlations could be also used to further implement warning systems, relating the unrest probabilities of a specific volcano also to the ongoing activity to the correlated ones. Our preliminary results suggest that, as for other many physical and biological systems, an underlying organizing principle of planetary volcanoes activity might exist and it could be a small-world principle. In fact we found that, from a topological perspective, volcanoes correlations are characterized by the typical features of small-world network: a high clustering coefficient and a low characteristic path length. These features confirm that global volcanoes activity is characterized by both short and long-range correlations. We stress here the fact that numerical simulation carried out in this work seems to agree with geological evidences (eg. the Pacific plate, South America volcanoes activity and so on). However a detailed analysis of numerical correlation pointed out in this work and geological implication requires a lot of effort and is still running. Thus this work represents preliminary contribution to better understand and clarify, from a geophysical point of view, the nature of planetary correlations among active volcanoes. Further work is still needed.

Relative risk analysis in regulating the use of radiation-emitting medical devices. A preliminary application

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Jones, E.D.; Banks, W.W.; Altenbach, T.J.

1995-09-01

This report describes a preliminary application of an analysis approach for assessing relative risks in the use of radiation- emitting medical devices. Results are presented on human-initiated actions and failure modes that are most likely to occur in the use of the Gamma Knife, a gamma irradiation therapy device. This effort represents an initial step in a US Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) plan to evaluate the potential role of risk analysis in regulating the use of nuclear medical devices. For this preliminary application of risk assessment, the focus was to develop a basic process using existing techniques for identifying themore » most likely risk contributors and their relative importance. The approach taken developed relative risk rankings and profiles that incorporated the type and quality of data available and could present results in an easily understood form. This work was performed by the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory for the NRC.« less

A primary care-public health partnership addressing homelessness, serious mental illness, and health disparities.

PubMed

Weinstein, Lara Carson; Lanoue, Marianna D; Plumb, James D; King, Hannah; Stein, Brianna; Tsemberis, Sam

2013-01-01

People with histories of homelessness and serious mental illness experience profound health disparities. Housing First is an evidenced-based practice that is working to end homelessness for these individuals through a combination of permanent housing and community-based supports. The Jefferson Department of Family and Community Medicine and a Housing First agency, Pathways to Housing-PA, has formed a partnership to address multiple levels of health care needs for this group. We present a preliminary program evaluation of this partnership using the framework of the patient-centered medical home and the "10 Essential Public Health Services." Preliminary program evaluation results suggest that this partnership is evolving to function as an integrated person-centered health home and an effective local public health monitoring system. The Pathways to Housing-PA/Jefferson Department of Family and Community Medicine partnership represents a community of solution, and multiple measures provide preliminary evidence that this model is feasible and can address the "grand challenges" of integrated community health services.

Preliminary In-Flight Loads Analysis of In-Line Launch Vehicles using the VLOADS 1.4 Program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Graham, J. B.; Luz, P. L.

1998-01-01

To calculate structural loads of in-line launch vehicles for preliminary design, a very useful computer program is VLOADS 1.4. This software may also be used to calculate structural loads for upper stages and planetary transfer vehicles. Launch vehicle inputs such as aerodynamic coefficients, mass properties, propellants, engine thrusts, and performance data are compiled and analyzed by VLOADS to produce distributed shear loads, bending moments, axial forces, and vehicle line loads as a function of X-station along the vehicle's length. Interface loads, if any, and translational accelerations are also computed. The major strength of the software is that it enables quick turnaround analysis of structural loads for launch vehicles during the preliminary design stage of its development. This represents a significant improvement over the alternative-the time-consuming, and expensive chore of developing finite element models. VLOADS was developed as a Visual BASIC macro in a Microsoft Excel 5.0 work book on a Macintosh. VLOADS has also been implemented on a PC computer using Microsoft Excel 7.0a for Windows 95. VLOADS was developed in 1996, and the current version was released to COSMIC, NASA's Software Technology Transfer Center, in 1997. The program is a copyrighted work with all copyright vested in NASA.

Long term net gains in coastal blue carbon stocks: A search for terrestrial drivers?

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clarke, Jessica; Austin, William; Smeaton, Craig; Winterton, Cathy; Bresnan, Eileen; Davidson, Keith; Lo Giudice Cappelli Lo Giudice Cappelli, Elena; Green, Jade

2017-04-01

Peat and Organic soils covers nearly 66% of Scotland, representing over 50% of the UK's soil carbon stocks. Natural processes such as peatland erosion are accelerated by human activities, such as land management and potentially by the impacts of climate change. We present evidence from the isle of Shetland's west coast voes (sea lochs or fjords) to suggest this process may have accelerated since medieval times. This work is supported by the analyses of short sediment Craib cores (triplicate coring) recovered from 17 sites. We present preliminary chronologies supported by radiocarbon dating and sediment characteristics that highlight both changes in the rate of accumulation and source of sedimentary organic carbon to the west coast Shetland voes during the late Holocene. Scottish coastal sediments contain a significant blue carbon stock, a significant proportion of which derives directly from terrestrial sources. The loss of peatland carbon represents a potentially important contribution (i.e. net gain) in refractory carbon within the marine environment and we present preliminary estimates to assess the significance of these large scale transfers and the subsidy of carbon to the coastal ocean.

Towards the implementation of a spectral database for the detection of biological warfare agents

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carestia, M.; Pizzoferrato, R.; Gelfusa, M.; Cenciarelli, O.; D'Amico, F.; Malizia, A.; Scarpellini, D.; Murari, A.; Vega, J.; Gaudio, P.

2014-10-01

The deliberate use of biological warfare agents (BWA) and other pathogens can jeopardize the safety of population, fauna and flora, and represents a concrete concern from the military and civil perspective. At present, the only commercially available tools for fast warning of a biological attack can perform point detection and require active or passive sampling collection. The development of a stand-off detection system would be extremely valuable to minimize the risk and the possible consequences of the release of biological aerosols in the atmosphere. Biological samples can be analyzed by means of several optical techniques, covering a broad region of the electromagnetic spectrum. Strong evidence proved that the informative content of fluorescence spectra could provide good preliminary discrimination among those agents and it can also be obtained through stand-off measurements. Such a system necessitates a database and a mathematical method for the discrimination of the spectral signatures. In this work, we collected fluorescence emission spectra of the main BWA simulants, to implement a spectral signature database and apply the Universal Multi Event Locator (UMEL) statistical method. Our preliminary analysis, conducted in laboratory conditions with a standard UV lamp source, considers the main experimental setups influencing the fluorescence signature of some of the most commonly used BWA simulants. Our work represents a first step towards the implementation of a spectral database and a laser-based biological stand-off detection and identification technique.

The presentation and preliminary validation of KIWEST using a large sample of Norwegian university staff.

PubMed

Innstrand, Siw Tone; Christensen, Marit; Undebakke, Kirsti Godal; Svarva, Kyrre

2015-12-01

The aim of the present paper is to present and validate a Knowledge-Intensive Work Environment Survey Target (KIWEST), a questionnaire developed for assessing the psychosocial factors among people in knowledge-intensive work environments. The construct validity and reliability of the measurement model where tested on a representative sample of 3066 academic and administrative staff working at one of the largest universities in Norway. Confirmatory factor analysis provided initial support for the convergent validity and internal consistency of the 30 construct KIWEST measurement model. However, discriminant validity tests indicated that some of the constructs might overlap to some degree. Overall, the KIWEST measure showed promising psychometric properties as a psychosocial work environment measure. © 2015 the Nordic Societies of Public Health.

Instrument to detect syncope and the onset of shock

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McAdams, Daniel R.; Kolodziejski, Noah J.; Stapels, Christopher J.; Fernandez, Daniel E.; Podolsky, Matthew J.; Farkas, Dana; Christian, James F.; Joyner, Michael J.; Johnson, Christopher P.; Paradis, Norman A.

2016-03-01

Currently the diagnosis of hemorrhagic shock is essentially clinical, relying on the expertise of nurses and doctors. One of the first measurable physiological changes that marks the onset of hemorrhagic shock is a decrease in capillary blood flow. Diffuse correlation spectroscopy (DCS) quantifies this decrease. DCS collects and analyzes multiply scattered, coherent, near infrared light to assess relative blood flow. This work presents a preliminary study using a DCS instrument with human subjects undergoing a lower body negative pressure (LBNP) protocol. This work builds on previous successful DCS instrumentation development and we believe it represents progress toward understanding how DCS can be used in a clinical setting.

Multiwall TPS: An emerging concept

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Shideler, J. L.; Kelly, H. N.; Avery, D. E.; Blosser, M. L.; Adelman, H. M.

1981-01-01

The transformation of a titanium multiwall thermal protection system from a conceptual design to a working reality is described. The thermal and structural performance of the basic multiwall concept is analyzed. Radiant heat, wind tunnel, vibration, acoustic, and lightning strike tests are used to verify the performance of multiwall tiles under representative operating conditions. Flat, all titanium multiwall configurations limited to temperature below 810 K are discussed. Curved surface, higher temperature versions of the multiwall are considered. Preliminary mass estimates for advanced multiwall concepts are presented.

Preliminary Assessment/Site Inspection Work Plan for Granite Mountain Radio Relay System

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-09-01

represent field conditions, and (3) sampling results are repeatable. Final (04 WV---,,1-, ,W•, S 2, mbr . 19W4 13 RyCWed 1.5.2 Sample Handling Sample...procedures specified in Section 2.1.3. Samples collected from shallow depths will be obtained by submerging a stainless- steel, Teflon, or glass... submerged in a manner that minimizes agitation of sediment and the water sample. If a seep or spring has minimal discharge flow, gravel, boulders, and soil

SPORE/EDRN/PRE-PLCO Ovarian Phase II Validation Study — EDRN Public Portal

Cancer.gov

Create a new set of phase II specimens (160 cases with pre-operative bloods representing major histologic types and including 80 early-staged and 80 late-staged cases, 160 controls with benign disease, 480 general population controls, and a small set of serial Samples collected either at least 3 months apart, but not more than 6 months apart OR between 10 months apart and no more than 14 months apart in 40 healthy controls) will be used to evaluate markers identified in preliminary work. The top 5-10 markers, plus an expanded panel of Luminex markers, will comprise a “working consensus panel” for subsequent analysis in PLCO specimens.

Inclusiveness and crossed categorization: effects on co-joined category evaluations of in-group and out-group primes.

PubMed

Crisp, Richard J; Hewstone, Miles; Richards, Zoë; Paolini, Stefania

2003-03-01

This experiment builds on preliminary work (Crisp & Hewstone, 2000b) that revealed moderation of crossed-category evaluations via priming with an in-group inclusive pronoun (e.g. 'we'). Using a computerized minimal group classification procedure and a 'proofreading' priming task, participants were asked to evaluate different crossed-category groups following either a neutral, an inclusive (in-group), or an exclusive (out-group) prime. The results supported the notion that inclusiveness priming can moderate how perceivers represent and evaluate composite social groups. In addition, measures of perceived inclusiveness and importance suggested that such structural aspects of social categories are an important consideration for future multiple categorization work.

Use of Web 2.0 Social Media Platforms to Promote Community-Engaged Research Dialogs: A Preliminary Program Evaluation.

PubMed

Valdez Soto, Miguel; Balls-Berry, Joyce E; Bishop, Shawn G; Aase, Lee A; Timimi, Farris K; Montori, Victor M; Patten, Christi A

2016-09-09

Community-engaged research is defined by the Institute of Medicine as the process of working collaboratively with groups of people affiliated by geographic proximity, special interests, or similar situations with respect to issues affecting their well-being. Traditional face-to-face community-engaged research is limited by geographic location, limited in resources, and/or uses one-way communications. Web 2.0 technologies including social media are novel communication channels for community-engaged research because these tools can reach a broader audience while promoting bidirectional dialogs. This paper reports on a preliminary program evaluation of the use of social media platforms for promoting engagement of researchers and community representatives in dialogs about community-engaged research. For this pilot program evaluation, the Clinical and Translational Science Office for Community Engagement in Research partnered with the Social Media Network at our institution to create a WordPress blog and Twitter account. Both social media platforms were facilitated by a social media manager. We used descriptive analytics for measuring engagement with WordPress and Twitter over an 18-month implementation period during 2014-2016. For the blog, we examined type of user (researcher, community representative, other) and used content analysis to generate the major themes from blog postings. For use of Twitter, we examined selected demographics and impressions among followers. There were 76 blog postings observed from researchers (48/76, 64%), community representatives (23/76, 32%) and funders (5/76, 8%). The predominant themes of the blog content were research awareness and dissemination of community-engaged research (35/76, 46%) and best practices (23/76, 30%). For Twitter, we obtained 411 followers at the end of the 18-month evaluation period, with an increase of 42% (from 280 to 411) over the final 6 months. Followers reported varied geographic location (321/411, 78%, resided in the United States); 99% (407/411) spoke English; and about half (218/411, 53%) were female. Followers produced 132,000 Twitter impressions. Researchers and community stakeholders use social medial platforms for dialogs related to community-engaged research. This preliminary work is novel because we used Web 2.0 social media platforms to engage these stakeholders whereas prior work used face-to-face formats. Future research is needed to explore additional social media platforms; expanded reach to other diverse stakeholders including patients, providers, and payers; and additional outcomes related to engagement.

Use of Web 2.0 Social Media Platforms to Promote Community-Engaged Research Dialogs: A Preliminary Program Evaluation

PubMed Central

Valdez Soto, Miguel; Bishop, Shawn G; Aase, Lee A; Timimi, Farris K; Montori, Victor M; Patten, Christi A

2016-01-01

Background Community-engaged research is defined by the Institute of Medicine as the process of working collaboratively with groups of people affiliated by geographic proximity, special interests, or similar situations with respect to issues affecting their well-being. Traditional face-to-face community-engaged research is limited by geographic location, limited in resources, and/or uses one-way communications. Web 2.0 technologies including social media are novel communication channels for community-engaged research because these tools can reach a broader audience while promoting bidirectional dialogs. Objective This paper reports on a preliminary program evaluation of the use of social media platforms for promoting engagement of researchers and community representatives in dialogs about community-engaged research. Methods For this pilot program evaluation, the Clinical and Translational Science Office for Community Engagement in Research partnered with the Social Media Network at our institution to create a WordPress blog and Twitter account. Both social media platforms were facilitated by a social media manager. We used descriptive analytics for measuring engagement with WordPress and Twitter over an 18-month implementation period during 2014-2016. For the blog, we examined type of user (researcher, community representative, other) and used content analysis to generate the major themes from blog postings. For use of Twitter, we examined selected demographics and impressions among followers. Results There were 76 blog postings observed from researchers (48/76, 64%), community representatives (23/76, 32%) and funders (5/76, 8%). The predominant themes of the blog content were research awareness and dissemination of community-engaged research (35/76, 46%) and best practices (23/76, 30%). For Twitter, we obtained 411 followers at the end of the 18-month evaluation period, with an increase of 42% (from 280 to 411) over the final 6 months. Followers reported varied geographic location (321/411, 78%, resided in the United States); 99% (407/411) spoke English; and about half (218/411, 53%) were female. Followers produced 132,000 Twitter impressions. Conclusions Researchers and community stakeholders use social medial platforms for dialogs related to community-engaged research. This preliminary work is novel because we used Web 2.0 social media platforms to engage these stakeholders whereas prior work used face-to-face formats. Future research is needed to explore additional social media platforms; expanded reach to other diverse stakeholders including patients, providers, and payers; and additional outcomes related to engagement. PMID:27613231

"It was only harmless banter!" The development and preliminary validation of the moral disengagement in sexual harassment scale.

PubMed

Page, Thomas E; Pina, Afroditi; Giner-Sorolla, Roger

2016-01-01

Sexual harassment represents aggressive behavior that is often enacted instrumentally, in response to a threatened sense of masculinity and male identity. To date, however, theoretical attention to the social cognitive processes that regulate workplace harassment is scant. This article presents the development and preliminary validation of the Moral Disengagement in Sexual Harassment Scale (MDiSH); a self-report measure of moral disengagement in the context of hostile work environment harassment. Three studies (total n = 797) document the excellent psychometric properties of this new scale. Male U.K. university students (Study 1: n = 322) and U.S. working males (Studies 2 and 3: n = 475) completed the MDiSH and an array of measures for construct validation. The MDiSH exhibited positive correlations with sexual harassment myth acceptance, male gender identification, and hostile sexism. In Study 3, participants were exposed to a fictitious case of hostile work environment harassment. The MDiSH attenuated moral judgment, negative emotions (guilt, shame, and anger), sympathy, and endorsement of prosocial behavioral intentions (support for restitution) associated with the harassment case. Conversely, the MDiSH increased positive affect (happiness) about the harassment and attribution of blame to the female complainant. Implications for practice and future research avenues are discussed. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Statistical Debugging

DTIC Science & Technology

2008-03-01

in all parts of the program except the predicates. B. PRELIMINARY EXPERIMENTATION Working with the hand written program initially to get a feel...PROBLEM STATEMENT AND MOTIVATION .......................................2 II. RELATED WORK ...ISOLATION.........................................7 III. PRELIMINARY WORK

Development and Preliminary Validation of a New Measure of Values in Scientific Work.

PubMed

English, Tammy; Antes, Alison L; Baldwin, Kari A; DuBois, James M

2018-04-01

In this paper we describe the development and initial psychometric evaluation of a new measure, the values in scientific work (VSW). This scale assesses the level of importance that investigators attach to different VSW. It taps a broad range of intrinsic, extrinsic, and social values that motivate the work of scientists, including values specific to scientific work (e.g., truth and integrity) and more classic work values (e.g., security and prestige) in the context of science. Notably, the values represented in this scale are relevant to scientists regardless of their career stage and research focus. We administered the VSW and a measure of global values to 203 NIH-funded investigators. Exploratory factor analyses suggest the delineation of eight VSW, including autonomy, research ethics, social impact, income, collaboration, innovation and growth, conserving relationships, and job security. These VSW showed predictable and distinct associations with global values. Implications of these findings for work on research integrity and scientific misconduct are discussed.

Idealized Quasi-Linear Convective Storms Crossing Over Coastlines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lombardo, K.

2015-12-01

As organized coastal convective storms develop over land and move over a coastal ocean, their storm-scale structures, intensity, and associated weather threats evolve. This study aims to identify and quantify the fundamental mechanisms controlling the evolution of coastal quasi-linear convective systems (QLCSs) as they move offshore, as well as characterize the environmental conditions that support a phase space of life cycles. Results from this work will contribute to the improved predictability of these potentially severe warm season storms. The current work uses the Cloud Model 1 (CM1; Bryan and Fritsch 2002) to systematically study the interaction between QLCSs and marine atmospheric boundary layers (MABLs) associated with the coastal ocean in an idealized numerical framework. The initial simulations are run in 2-dimensions, with a 250 m horizontal resolution and a vertical resolution ranging from 100 m in the lowest 3000 m stretched to 250 m at the top of the 20 km domain. All simulations use the Weisman-Klemp analytic sounding as the base-state sounding profile in conjunction with an RKW-type wind profile. To create a numerical environment representative of a coastal region, the western half of the 800 km domain is configured to represent a land surface, while the eastern half represents a water surface. A series of sensitivity experiments are conducted to explore the influence of sea surface temperature and the associated marine atmospheric boundary layer on coastal QLCSs. Sea surface temperature values are selected to represent values observed within the Mid-Atlantic Bight coastal waters during the warm season, ranging from 14oC ('early summer') to 23oC ('late summer'). The numerical MABL is allowed to develop in time through surface heat fluxes. This presentation will discuss preliminary results from the 'early summer' and 'late summer' SST sensitivity experiments. Preliminary simulations indicate that the 'early summer' QLCS moves more quickly than the 'late summer' storm once the systems are over the MABL. Differences in propagation speed will be discussed in the context of lifting mechanisms along the leading edge of the QLCSs. Differences in the intensity of the convection will be discussed as well.

Are the components of social reciprocity transdiagnostic across pediatric neurodevelopmental disorders? Evidence for common and disorder-specific social impairments.

PubMed

Sturm, Alexandra; Rozenman, Michelle; Chang, Susanna; McGough, James J; McCracken, James T; Piacentini, John C

2018-06-01

Deficits in social communication are a core feature of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), yet significant social problems have been observed in youth with many neurodevelopmental disorders. In this preliminary investigation, we aimed to explore whether domains of social reciprocity (i.e., social communication, social cognition, social awareness, social motivation, and restricted and repetitive behaviors) represent transdiagnostic traits. These domains were compared across youth ages 7-17 with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD; N = 32), tic disorders (TD; N = 20), severe mood dysregulation (N = 33) and autism spectrum disorder (N = 35). While the ASD group was rated by parents as exhibiting the greatest social reciprocity deficits across domains, a high proportion of youth with severe mood dysregulation also exhibited pronounced deficits in social communication, cognition, and awareness. The ASD and severe mood dysregulation groups demonstrated comparable scores on the social awareness domain. In contrast, social motivation and restricted and repetitive behaviors did not appear to be transdiagnostic domains in severe mood dysregulation, OCD, or TD groups. The present work provides preliminary support that social awareness, and to a lesser extent social communication and cognition, may represent features of social reciprocity that are transdiagnostic across ASD and severe mood dysregulation. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

CUE: counterfeit-resistant usable eye movement-based authentication via oculomotor plant characteristics and complex eye movement patterns

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Komogortsev, Oleg V.; Karpov, Alexey; Holland, Corey D.

2012-06-01

The widespread use of computers throughout modern society introduces the necessity for usable and counterfeit-resistant authentication methods to ensure secure access to personal resources such as bank accounts, e-mail, and social media. Current authentication methods require tedious memorization of lengthy pass phrases, are often prone to shouldersurfing, and may be easily replicated (either by counterfeiting parts of the human body or by guessing an authentication token based on readily available information). This paper describes preliminary work toward a counterfeit-resistant usable eye movement-based (CUE) authentication method. CUE does not require any passwords (improving the memorability aspect of the authentication system), and aims to provide high resistance to spoofing and shoulder-surfing by employing the combined biometric capabilities of two behavioral biometric traits: 1) oculomotor plant characteristics (OPC) which represent the internal, non-visible, anatomical structure of the eye; 2) complex eye movement patterns (CEM) which represent the strategies employed by the brain to guide visual attention. Both OPC and CEM are extracted from the eye movement signal provided by an eye tracking system. Preliminary results indicate that the fusion of OPC and CEM traits is capable of providing a 30% reduction in authentication error when compared to the authentication accuracy of individual traits.

24 CFR 941.103 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... and construction specifications and the rehabilitation work write-ups, where applicable, that set forth the work to be done under a construction contract or contract of sale. Contract of sale. A... preliminary drawings and specifications and the preliminary rehabilitation work write-ups, where applicable...

Preliminary study of the reliability of imaging charge coupled devices

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Beall, J. R.; Borenstein, M. D.; Homan, R. A.; Johnson, D. L.; Wilson, D. D.; Young, V. F.

1978-01-01

Imaging CCDs are capable of low light level response and high signal-to-noise ratios. In space applications they offer the user the ability to achieve extremely high resolution imaging with minimum circuitry in the photo sensor array. This work relates the CCD121H Fairchild device to the fundamentals of CCDs and the representative technologies. Several failure modes are described, construction is analyzed and test results are reported. In addition, the relationship of the device reliability to packaging principles is analyzed and test data presented. Finally, a test program is defined for more general reliability evaluation of CCDs.

Onboard Classification of Hyperspectral Data on the Earth Observing One Mission

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chien, Steve; Tran, Daniel; Schaffer, Steve; Rabideau, Gregg; Davies, Ashley Gerard; Doggett, Thomas; Greeley, Ronald; Ip, Felipe; Baker, Victor; Doubleday, Joshua;

Surface Roughness Relief

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Marras, L.; Fontana, R.; Gambino, M. C.; Greco, M.; Materazzi, M.; Pampaloni, E.; Pezzati, L.; Poggi, P.

The knowledge of the shape of an artwork is an important element for its study and conservation. When dealing with a stone statue, roughness measurement is a very useful contribution to document its surface conditions, to assess either changes due to restoration intervention or surface decays due to weathering agents, and to monitor its time-evolution in terms of shape variations. In this work we present the preliminary results of the statistical analysis carried out on acquired data relative to six areas of the Michelangelo's David marble statue, representative of differently degraded surfaces. Determination of the roughness and its relative characteristic wavelength is shown.

Remotely piloted vehicle: Application of the GRASP analysis method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Andre, W. L.; Morris, J. B.

1981-01-01

The application of General Reliability Analysis Simulation Program (GRASP) to the remotely piloted vehicle (RPV) system is discussed. The model simulates the field operation of the RPV system. By using individual component reliabilities, the overall reliability of the RPV system is determined. The results of the simulations are given in operational days. The model represented is only a basis from which more detailed work could progress. The RPV system in this model is based on preliminary specifications and estimated values. The use of GRASP from basic system definition, to model input, and to model verification is demonstrated.

Performance, emotion work, and transition: challenging experiences of complementary therapy student practitioners commencing clinical practice.

PubMed

Fixsen, Alison; Ridge, Damien

2012-09-01

Few researchers have explored the clinical experiences of complementary and alternative medical practitioners and students, including the emotion work they perform. In this article, using a constant comparison approach and a heuristic framework (a dramaturgical perspective), we analyze semistructured interviews with 9 undergraduate practitioners in training to examine challenges experienced when students first attend to patients. A feature of students' learning about clinical work concerned performance in a public arena and associated demands placed on the inchoate practitioner. Preliminary patient consultations represented a dramatic rite of passage and initiation into a transitional phase in professional identity. Juggling the roles of student and practitioner within an observed consultation led to anticipatory anxiety, impression management strategies, and conflict with other individuals. Of the coping strategies, participants regarded sharing and feedback from peer groups as most effective in examining and resolving the challenges of becoming a practitioner.

Gd uptake experiments for preliminary set of functionalized adsorbents

DOE Data Explorer

Clinton Noack

2015-03-16

These data summarize adsorption experiments conducted with Gd in 0.5 M NaCl. Results represent preliminary, proof-of-concept data utilizing fine-powder silica gel as the adsorbent support. Future testing will focus on larger, application-appropriate beads.

Gd uptake experiments for preliminary set of functionalized adsorbents (with content model)

DOE Data Explorer

Clinton Noack

2015-03-16

These data summarize adsorption experiments conducted with Gd in 0.5 M NaCl. Results represent preliminary, proof-of-concept data utilizing fine-powder silica gel as the adsorbent support. Future testing will focus on larger, application-appropriate beads.

Nursing opinion leadership: a preliminary model derived from philosophic theories of rational belief.

PubMed

Anderson, Christine A; Whall, Ann L

2013-10-01

Opinion leaders are informal leaders who have the ability to influence others' decisions about adopting new products, practices or ideas. In the healthcare setting, the importance of translating new research evidence into practice has led to interest in understanding how opinion leaders could be used to speed this process. Despite continued interest, gaps in understanding opinion leadership remain. Agent-based models are computer models that have proven to be useful for representing dynamic and contextual phenomena such as opinion leadership. The purpose of this paper is to describe the work conducted in preparation for the development of an agent-based model of nursing opinion leadership. The aim of this phase of the model development project was to clarify basic assumptions about opinions, the individual attributes of opinion leaders and characteristics of the context in which they are effective. The process used to clarify these assumptions was the construction of a preliminary nursing opinion leader model, derived from philosophical theories about belief formation. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Luk, V.K.; Hessheimer, M.F.; Matsumoto, T.

A high pressure test of a mixed-scaled model (1:10 in geometry and 1:4 in shell thickness) of a steel containment vessel (SCV), representing an improved boiling water reactor (BWR) Mark II containment, was conducted on December 11--12, 1996 at Sandia National Laboratories. This paper describes the preliminary results of the high pressure test. In addition, the preliminary post-test measurement data and the preliminary comparison of test data with pretest analysis predictions are also presented.

Preliminary seismic evaluation and ranking of bridges along I-24 in Western Kentucky.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2006-09-01

This study represents one of the Seismic Evaluation of I-24 Bridges investigative series. The focus is on preliminary seismic evaluation and ranking of bridges according to their seismic vulnerability. Bridges along I-24 are considered in this invest...

Preliminary clinical trial of immunotherapy for malignant glioma.

PubMed

Ingram, M; Shelden, C H; Jacques, S; Skillen, R G; Bradley, W G; Techy, G B; Freshwater, D B; Abts, R M; Rand, R W

1987-10-01

An immunotherapy protocol based on intracranial implantation of stimulated, autologous lymphocytes into the tumor bed following surgical debulking of malignant glioma is described. Phase I clinical trials in human patients are now in progress. Preliminary data representing the first 39 patients treated are presented briefly.

A study of ignition phenomena of bulk metals by radiant heating

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Branch, Melvin C.; Abbud-Madrid, A.; Feiereisen, T. J.; Daily, J. W.

1993-01-01

Early research on combustion of metals was motivated by the knowledge of the large heat release and corresponding high temperatures associated with metal-oxygen reactions. The advent of space flight brought about an increased interest in the ignition and combustion of metallic particles as additives in solid rocket propellants. More recently, attention has been given to the flammability properties of bulk, structural metals due to the number of accidental explosions of metal components in high-pressure oxygen systems. The following work represents a preliminary study that is part of a broader research effort aimed at providing further insight into the phenomena of bulk metal combustion by looking at the effects of gravity on the ignition behavior of metals. The scope of this preliminary experimental study includes the use of a non-coherent, continuous radiation ignition source, the measurement of temperature profiles of a variety of metals and a qualitative observation of the ignition phenomena at normal gravity. The specific objectives of the investigation include: (1) a feasibility study of the use of a continuous radiation source for metal ignition; (2) testing and characterization of the ignition behavior of a variety of metals; and (3) building a preliminary experimental database on ignition of metals under normal gravity conditions.

On the application of a hairpin vortex model of wall turbulence to trailing edge noise prediction

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Liu, N. S.; Shamroth, S. J.

1985-01-01

The goal is to develop a technique via a hairpin vortex model of the turbulent boundary layer, which would lead to the estimation of the aerodynamic input for use in trailing edge noise prediction theories. The work described represents an initial step in reaching this goal. The hairpin vortex is considered as the underlying structure of the wall turbulence and the turbulent boundary layer is viewed as an ensemble of typical hairpin vortices of different sizes. A synthesis technique is examined which links the mean flow and various turbulence quantities via these typical vortices. The distribution of turbulence quantities among vortices of different scales follows directly from the probability distribution needed to give the measured mean flow vorticity. The main features of individual representative hairpin vortices are discussed in detail and a preliminary assessment of the synthesis approach is made.

Synchronous Oscillations in Microtubule Polymerization

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carlier, M. F.; Melki, R.; Pantaloni, D.; Hill, T. L.; Chen, Y.

1987-08-01

Under conditions where microtubule nucleation and growth are fast (i.e., high magnesium ion and tubulin concentrations and absence of glycerol), microtubule assembly in vitro exhibits an oscillatory regime preceding the establishment of steady state. The amplitude of the oscillations can represent >50% of the maximum turbidity change and oscillations persist for up to 20 periods of 80 s each. Oscillations are accompanied by extensive length redistribution of microtubules. Preliminary work suggests that the oscillatory kinetics can be simulated using a model in which many microtubules undergo synchronous transitions between growing and rapidly depolymerizing phases, complicated by the kinetically limiting rate of nucleotide exchange on free tubulin.

A preliminary study for the production of high specific activity radionuclides for nuclear medicine obtained with the isotope separation on line technique.

PubMed

Borgna, F; Ballan, M; Corradetti, S; Vettorato, E; Monetti, A; Rossignoli, M; Manzolaro, M; Scarpa, D; Mazzi, U; Realdon, N; Andrighetto, A

2017-09-01

Radiopharmaceuticals represent a fundamental tool for nuclear medicine procedures, both for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. The present work aims to explore the Isotope Separation On-Line (ISOL) technique for the production of carrier-free radionuclides for nuclear medicine at SPES, a nuclear physics facility under construction at INFN-LNL. Stable ion beams of strontium, yttrium and iodine were produced using the SPES test bench (Front-End) to simulate the production of 89 Sr, 90 Y, 125 I and 131 I and collected with good efficiency on suitable targets. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

High-precision surface analysis of the roughness of Michelangelo's David

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Fontana, Raffaella; Gambino, Maria Chiara; Greco, Marinella; Marras, Luciano; Materazzi, Marzia; Pampaloni, Enrico; Pezzati, Luca

2003-10-01

The knowledge of the shape of an artwork is an important element for its study and conservation. When dealing with a statue, roughness measurement is a very useful contribution to document its surface conditions, to assess either changes due to restoration intervention or surface decays due to wearing agents, and to monitor its time-evolution in terms of shape variations. In this work we present the preliminary results of the statistical analysis carried out on acquired data relative to six areas of the Michelangelo"s David marble statue, representative of differently degraded surfaces. Determination of the roughness and its relative characteristic wavelength is shown.

ATM Quality of Service Parameters at 45 Mbps Using a Satellite Emulator: Laboratory Measurements

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ivancic, William D.; Bobinsky, Eric A.

1997-01-01

Results of 45-Mbps DS3 intermediate-frequency loopback measurements of asynchronous transfer mode (ATM) quality of service parameters (cell error ratio and cell loss ratio) are presented. These tests, which were conducted at the NASA Lewis Research Center in support of satellite-ATM interoperability research, represent initial efforts to quantify the minimum parameters for stringent ATM applications, such as MPEG-1 and MPEG-2 video transmission. Portions of these results were originally presented to the International Telecommunications Union's ITU-R Working Party 4B in February 1996 in support of their Draft Preliminary Recommendation on the Transmission of ATM Traffic via Satellite.

Dimensions of Human-Work Domain Interaction: A Preliminary Analysis for the Design of a Corporate Digital Library.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Xie, Hong

2003-01-01

Applies the cognitive system engineering approach to investigate human-work interaction at a corporate setting. Reports preliminary analysis of data collected from diary analysis and interview of 20 subjects. Results identify three dimensions for each of four interactive activities involved in human-work interaction and their relationships.…

78 FR 41398 - City of Berlin, Berlin Water Works; Notice of Preliminary Permit Application Accepted for Filing...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2013-07-10

... DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY Federal Energy Regulatory Commission [Project No. 14529-000] City of Berlin, Berlin Water Works; Notice of Preliminary Permit Application Accepted for Filing and Soliciting Comments, Motions To Intervene, and Competing Applications On June 19, 2013, the City of Berlin, Berlin Water Works, filed an application for a...

Archaeoastronomical Information in the Study of Cremation Necropolis: Preliminary Study

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mejuto, J.; Cerde, M. L.; Rodríguez, C.

2009-08-01

This work remarks the significance that archaeoastronomical studies have for archaeological research. These studies provide us data about the perception that ancient societies had about astronomical events and how these facts were added to their religious and ideological world. Thus, archaeoastronomy become a valuable source of information when aimed to solve any question involving the ancient societies. We take as reference in this work some of the Late Bronze Age{'}s cremation necropolis, representatives of usually called Urnfields, to check if their design can be related to some celestial phenomena: Can Bech de Baix (Gerona), Can Pitieu-Can Roqueta(Barcelona), Molá (Tarragona), Can Missert (Tarragona), Les Obagues (Tarragona), La Colomina (Lleida) and La Torraza (Navarra). Likewise a new standard in archaeological excavations maps is proposed. This will allow getting the information more available and improving further studies.

Rethinking construction: inclusion of slow learners as taker-off in quantity surveying practice

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Majid, Masidah Abdul; Ashaari, Norul Izzati M.; @ Suhana Kamarudin Nurul Aini Osman, Suhaida; Suhaimi, Mohamad Saifulnizam Mohd

2017-11-01

The objective of this paper is to present the preliminary findings regarding the participation of OKU with learning disability in Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) sectors. Review of the works of past researchers suggested that OKU is a potential workforce in STEM sectors but still under-represented due to lack of efforts from stakeholders and learning institutions in providing information on the opportunities that are available. A research has been initiated to explore the potential of slow learners to become workforce in the construction industry as a taker off - part of work of a Quantity Surveyor. Against the findings from the literature review, the modest attempt to attract slow learners to become taker off in the construction industry require the formulation of appropriate learning environment and strong support from the respective key players and stakeholders.

Notification: Preliminary Research to Evaluate Hazardous Waste Passing Through Publicly Owned Treatment Works

EPA Pesticide Factsheets

March 13, 2013. The EPA's OIG plans to start preliminary research to evaluate the effectiveness of the EPA’s programs in preventing and addressing contamination of surface water from hazardous wastes passing through publicly owned treatment works.

Communication Apprehension: A Preliminary Bibliography of Research.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Daly, John A.

This 243-item bibliography represents a preliminary step in the collection and synthesis of research in communication apprehension. No qualitative criteria were used in the selection of items for this bibliography, except that the item had to deal with apprehension as a major part of the report. Basic texts that mention apprehension but that do…

Preliminary Findings on Rural Homelessness in Ohio.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

First, Richard J.; And Others

This report is designed to present preliminary findings from the first comprehensive study of rural homelessness in the United States. The study was conducted during the first 6 months of 1990, and data were collected from interviews with 921 homeless adults in 21 randomly selected rural counties in Ohio. The sample counties represent 26% of the…

Development and Preliminary Validation of the Time Management for Exercise Scale

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hellsten, Laurie-ann M.; Rogers, W. Todd

2009-01-01

The purpose of this study was to collect preliminary validity evidence for a time management scale for exercise. An initial pool of 91 items was developed from existing literature. Ten exercise/health psychologists evaluated each of the items in terms of relevance and representativeness. Forty-nine items met all criteria. Exploratory factor…

Preliminary Investigation of Skull Fracture Patterns Using an Impactor Representative of Helmet Back-Face Deformation.

PubMed

Weisenbach, Charles A; Logsdon, Katie; Salzar, Robert S; Chancey, Valeta Carol; Brozoski, Fredrick

2018-03-01

Military combat helmets protect the wearer from a variety of battlefield threats, including projectiles. Helmet back-face deformation (BFD) is the result of the helmet defeating a projectile and deforming inward. Back-face deformation can result in localized blunt impacts to the head. A method was developed to investigate skull injury due to BFD behind-armor blunt trauma. A representative impactor was designed from the BFD profiles of modern combat helmets subjected to ballistic impacts. Three post-mortem human subject head specimens were each impacted using the representative impactor at three anatomical regions (frontal bone, right/left temporo-parietal regions) using a pneumatic projectile launcher. Thirty-six impacts were conducted at energy levels between 5 J and 25 J. Fractures were detected in two specimens. Two of the specimens experienced temporo-parietal fractures while the third specimen experienced no fractures. Biomechanical metrics, including impactor acceleration, were obtained for all tests. The work presented herein describes initial research utilizing a test method enabling the collection of dynamic exposure and biomechanical response data for the skull at the BFD-head interface.

36 CFR 212.1 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... materials investigations, surveys, and tests; (6) Preliminary and final designs; (7) Preliminary and final... surveys to establish line and grade for the work, to control the work, and to measure quantities; (2... battery-powered, that is designed solely for use by a mobility-impaired person for locomotion, and that is...

36 CFR 212.1 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... materials investigations, surveys, and tests; (6) Preliminary and final designs; (7) Preliminary and final... surveys to establish line and grade for the work, to control the work, and to measure quantities; (2... battery-powered, that is designed solely for use by a mobility-impaired person for locomotion, and that is...

36 CFR 212.1 - Definitions.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-07-01

... materials investigations, surveys, and tests; (6) Preliminary and final designs; (7) Preliminary and final... surveys to establish line and grade for the work, to control the work, and to measure quantities; (2... battery-powered, that is designed solely for use by a mobility-impaired person for locomotion, and that is...

COINS: A composites information database system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Siddiqi, Shahid; Vosteen, Louis F.; Edlow, Ralph; Kwa, Teck-Seng

1992-01-01

An automated data abstraction form (ADAF) was developed to collect information on advanced fabrication processes and their related costs. The information will be collected for all components being fabricated as part of the ACT program and include in a COmposites INformation System (COINS) database. The aim of the COINS development effort is to provide future airframe preliminary design and fabrication teams with a tool through which production cost can become a deterministic variable in the design optimization process. The effort was initiated by the Structures Technology Program Office (STPO) of the NASA LaRC to implement the recommendations of a working group comprised of representatives from the commercial airframe companies. The principal working group recommendation was to re-institute collection of composite part fabrication data in a format similar to the DOD/NASA Structural Composites Fabrication Guide. The fabrication information collection form was automated with current user friendly computer technology. This work in progress paper describes the new automated form and features that make the form easy to use by an aircraft structural design-manufacturing team.

18 CFR 4.37 - Rules of preference among competing applications.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

..., EXEMPTIONS, AND DETERMINATION OF PROJECT COSTS Application for Preliminary Permit, License or Exemption... application for a preliminary permit and an accepted application for a license propose project works that... for project works that would develop, conserve, and utilize, in whole or in part, the same water...

18 CFR 4.37 - Rules of preference among competing applications.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

..., EXEMPTIONS, AND DETERMINATION OF PROJECT COSTS Application for Preliminary Permit, License or Exemption... application for a preliminary permit and an accepted application for a license propose project works that... for project works that would develop, conserve, and utilize, in whole or in part, the same water...

18 CFR 4.37 - Rules of preference among competing applications.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

..., EXEMPTIONS, AND DETERMINATION OF PROJECT COSTS Application for Preliminary Permit, License or Exemption... application for a preliminary permit and an accepted application for a license propose project works that... for project works that would develop, conserve, and utilize, in whole or in part, the same water...

18 CFR 4.37 - Rules of preference among competing applications.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

..., EXEMPTIONS, AND DETERMINATION OF PROJECT COSTS Application for Preliminary Permit, License or Exemption... application for a preliminary permit and an accepted application for a license propose project works that... for project works that would develop, conserve, and utilize, in whole or in part, the same water...

18 CFR 4.37 - Rules of preference among competing applications.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

..., EXEMPTIONS, AND DETERMINATION OF PROJECT COSTS Application for Preliminary Permit, License or Exemption... application for a preliminary permit and an accepted application for a license propose project works that... for project works that would develop, conserve, and utilize, in whole or in part, the same water...

8 CFR 335.11 - Preliminary examinations on petitions for naturalization filed prior to October 1, 1991.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... Attorney for the proper district to report such neglect or refusal to any court exercising naturalization... represented by an attorney or a representative shall be entitled to all the benefits and the privileges...

Characterization of Fine Metal Particles Derived from Shredded WEEE Using a Hyperspectral Image System: Preliminary Results

PubMed Central

Candiani, Gabriele; Picone, Nicoletta; Pompilio, Loredana; Pepe, Monica; Colledani, Marcello

2017-01-01

Waste of electric and electronic equipment (WEEE) is the fastest-growing waste stream in Europe. The large amount of electric and electronic products introduced every year in the market makes WEEE disposal a relevant problem. On the other hand, the high abundance of key metals included in WEEE has increased the industrial interest in WEEE recycling. However, the high variability of materials used to produce electric and electronic equipment makes key metals’ recovery a complex task: the separation process requires flexible systems, which are not currently implemented in recycling plants. In this context, hyperspectral sensors and imaging systems represent a suitable technology to improve WEEE recycling rates and the quality of the output products. This work introduces the preliminary tests using a hyperspectral system, integrated in an automatic WEEE recycling pilot plant, for the characterization of mixtures of fine particles derived from WEEE shredding. Several combinations of classification algorithms and techniques for signal enhancement of reflectance spectra were implemented and compared. The methodology introduced in this study has shown characterization accuracies greater than 95%. PMID:28505070

An empirical propellant response function for combustion stability predictions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Hessler, R. O.

1980-01-01

An empirical response function model was developed for ammonium perchlorate propellants to supplant T-burner testing at the preliminary design stage. The model was developed by fitting a limited T-burner data base, in terms of oxidizer size and concentration, to an analytical two parameter response function expression. Multiple peaks are predicted, but the primary effect is of a single peak for most formulations, with notable bulges for the various AP size fractions. The model was extended to velocity coupling with the assumption that dynamic response was controlled primarily by the solid phase described by the two parameter model. The magnitude of velocity coupling was then scaled using an erosive burning law. Routine use of the model for stability predictions on a number of propulsion units indicates that the model tends to overpredict propellant response. It is concluded that the model represents a generally conservative prediction tool, suited especially for the preliminary design stage when T-burner data may not be readily available. The model work included development of a rigorous summation technique for pseudopropellant properties and of a concept for modeling ordered packing of particulates.

Preliminary Assessment of Thrust Augmentation of NEP Based Missions

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Chew, Gilbert; Pelaccio, Dennis G.; Chiroux, Robert; Pervan, Sherry; Rauwolf, Gerald A.; White, Charles

2005-01-01

Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC), with support from NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, has conducted a preliminary study to compare options for augmenting the thrust of a conventional nuclear electric propulsion (NEP) system. These options include a novel nuclear propulsion system concept known as Hybrid Indirect Nuclear Propulsion (HINP) and conventional chemical propulsion. The utility and technical feasibility of the HINP concept are assessed, and features and potential of this new in-space propulsion system concept are identified. As part of the study, SAIC developed top-level design tools to model the size and performance of an HINP system, as well as for several chemical propulsion options, including liquid and gelled propellants. A mission trade study was performed to compare a representative HINP system with chemical propulsion options for thrust augmentation of NEP systems for a mission to Saturn's moon Titan. Details pertaining to the approach, features, initial demonstration results for HINP model development, and the mission trade study are presented. Key technology and design issues associated with the HINP concept and future work recommendations are also identified.

Alchemical poetry in medieval and early modern Europe: a preliminary survey and synthesis. Part I--Preliminary survey.

PubMed

Kahn, Didier

2010-11-01

This article provides a preliminary description of medieval and early modern alchemical poetry composed in Latin and in the principal vernacular languages of western Europe. It aims to distinguish the various genres in which this poetry flourished, and to identify the most representative aspects of each cultural epoch by considering the medieval and early modern periods in turn. Such a distinction (always somewhat artificial) between two broad historical periods may be justified by the appearance of new cultural phenomena that profoundly modified the character of early modern alchemical poetry: the ever-increasing importance of the prisca theologia, the alchemical interpretation of ancient mythology, and the rise of neo-Latin humanist poetry. Although early modern alchemy was marked by the appearance of new doctrines (notably the alchemical spiritus mundi and Paracelsianism), alchemical poetry was only superficially modified by criteria of a scientific nature, which therefore appear to be of lesser importance. This study falls into two parts. Part I provides a descriptive survey of extant poetry, and in Part II the results of the survey are analysed in order to highlight such distinctive features as the function of alchemical poetry, the influence of the book market on its evolution, its doctrinal content, and the question of whether any theory of alchemical poetry ever emerged. Part II is accompanied by an index of the authors and works cited in both parts.

Archaeological Palimpsest Dissection at Cova del Parco (Lleida, Spain) through Microstratigraphic Investigation of Combustion Structures. Preliminary Results.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Égüez, Natalia; Mallol, Carolina; Mangado, Xavier; Tejero, José Miguel; Fullola, Josep Maria

2014-05-01

We present preliminary data from ongoing microstratigraphic investigations of Cova del Parco (Lleida, Spain), a Magdalenian karstic cave site in North western Catalonia. Excavations of the Upper Magdalenian levels are currently underway, with radiometric dates between 15,690 and 16,390 cal BP. This period has yielded a complex anthropogenic sedimentary deposit including combustion features and local accumulations of anthropogenic debris near the cave walls. On of the working hypothesis is that the Magdalenian hunter-gatherers who occupied the site did so for short periods, possibly seasonally. Support of this hypothesis comes the presence of overlapping, very thin flat combustion structures, which appear to have been short-lived and close to each other in time. In order to investigate this issue, we carried out micromorphological analysis of some of the mentioned combustion features. Preliminary results show significant microstratification and presence of unburned spherulites mixed in with reprecipitated calcitic wood ash, both of which point towards the existence of hiatuses between combustion events. This is supported by the observation of scattered, lightly burned microscopic flint and bone fragments in the sediment between ash layers, which could represent renewed occupation floor debris. Our case study adds to the growing number of combustion feature microstratigraphic investigations contributing to a correct characterization of anthropogenic palimpsest deposits. Key words: Microstratigraphy; Micromorphology; Magdalenian; Combustion features; Wood ash; Palimpsest; Iberian Peninsula.

A comprehensive method for preliminary design optimization of axial gas turbine stages. II - Code verification

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Jenkins, R. M.

1983-01-01

The present effort represents an extension of previous work wherein a calculation model for performing rapid pitchline optimization of axial gas turbine geometry, including blade profiles, is developed. The model requires no specification of geometric constraints. Output includes aerodynamic performance (adiabatic efficiency), hub-tip flow-path geometry, blade chords, and estimates of blade shape. Presented herein is a verification of the aerodynamic performance portion of the model, whereby detailed turbine test-rig data, including rig geometry, is input to the model to determine whether tested performance can be predicted. An array of seven (7) NASA single-stage axial gas turbine configurations is investigated, ranging in size from 0.6 kg/s to 63.8 kg/s mass flow and in specific work output from 153 J/g to 558 J/g at design (hot) conditions; stage loading factor ranges from 1.15 to 4.66.

Fiber-optic filter fluorometer for emission detection of Protoporphyrin IX and its direct precursors - A preliminary study for improved Photodynamic Therapy applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Landes, Rainer; Illanes, Alfredo; van Oepen, Alexander; Goeppner, Daniela; Gollnick, Harald; Friebe, Michael

2018-03-01

In this work we present first results of a laboratory manufactured filter-fluorometer to study differences in intensity and position of the main peaks of three porphyrins that appear during the Heme-Synthesis. Porphyrins play a major role in Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) for cancer treatment. Within the Heme-Synthesis, Porphyrins such as Protoporphyrin IX (PPIX) and its two precursors Coproporphyrin III (CPIII) and Uroporphyrin III (UPIII) represent photochemical agents that can interact with light to show fluorescence or generate Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) to destroy cells. A major problem that arises is determining the ideal time slot to begin treatment after drug application. Our work is meant to show a way to solve this problem by looking at concentration changes of precursors appearing in Heme-Synthesis and using these changes to predict the occurence of PPIX inside the mitochondria.

Report of the In Situ Resources Utilization Workshop

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fairchild, Kyle (Editor); Mendell, Wendell W. (Editor)

1988-01-01

The results of a workshop of 50 representatives from the public and private sector which investigated the potential joint development of the key technologies and mechanisms that will enable the permanent habitation of space are presented. The workshop is an initial step to develop a joint public/private assessment of new technology requirements of future space options, to share knowledge on required technologies that may exist in the private sector, and to investigate potential joint technology development opportunities. The majority of the material was produced in 5 working groups: (1) Construction, Assembly, Automation and Robotics; (2) Prospecting, Mining, and Surface Transportation; (3) Biosystems and Life Support; (4) Materials Processing; and (5) Innovative Ventures. In addition to the results of the working groups, preliminary technology development recommendations to assist in near-term development priority decisions are presented. Finally, steps are outlined for potential new future activities and relationships among the public, private, and academic sectors.

Preliminary Recommendations Regarding Preparation of Teachers and School Leaders to Use Learning Technologies

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bull, Glen; Spector, J. Michael; Persichitte, Kay; Meier, Ellen

2017-01-01

This article describes preliminary work for the "Educational Technology Efficacy Research" symposium taking place in 2017. The symposium will present the role of efficacy research in the development, adoption, and implementation of educational technology. In preparation for this symposium, ten working groups are investigating the role of…

Toward Collaboration Sensing

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Schneider, Bertrand; Pea, Roy

2014-01-01

We describe preliminary applications of network analysis techniques to eye-tracking data collected during a collaborative learning activity. This paper makes three contributions: first, we visualize collaborative eye-tracking data as networks, where the nodes of the graph represent fixations and edges represent saccades. We found that those…

The development of efficient coding for an electronic mail system

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Rice, R. F.

1983-01-01

Techniques for efficiently representing scanned electronic documents were investigated. Major results include the definition and preliminary performance results of a Universal System for Efficient Electronic Mail (USEEM), offering a potential order of magnitude improvement over standard facsimile techniques for representing textual material.

Work Experiences of People with Mental Illness in Malaysia: A Preliminary Qualitative Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Boo, Su-Lyn; Loong, Jaymee; Ng, Wai-Sheng

2011-01-01

This is a preliminary qualitative study, using a basic interpretive approach, to investigate the work experiences of people with mental illness in Malaysia. Six females and four males (aged 30-70) from a residential home for the mentally ill participated in semi-structured interviews. Three inter-relating themes emerged, namely the experience of…

Exposure of hairdressers to the main cosmetics used in hairdressing salons in France: A preliminary study.

PubMed

Ramirez-Martinez, A; Granda-Torres, P; Wesolek, N; Ficheux, A S; Roudot, A C

2016-09-02

In recent years, more attention has been given to chemical exposure in hairdressers. This increasing interest is largely due to the various respiratory and skin symptoms observed in hairdressers. According to these symptoms, hairdressers are in contact with various sources of exposure. Particularly in France, little information is available to assess professional exposure of hairdressers. In order to gather information to assess exposure in hairdressers, 11 hairdressing salons were visited. All the salons were located in Brest City (France). Preferentially, small hairdressing salons were visited. Observations were performed to obtain salon characteristics and to record workers' practices. Calculations revealed that in the worst-case scenario, dermal professional exposure reaches 14.68 and 13.67 mg/kg/day for hair coloring and highlighting mixtures, respectively. Inhalation exposure represents 14.2 and 18.1 mg/kg/day for hair coloring and highlighting mixtures, respectively. These exposure values represent baseline values for exposure of French hairdressers working in small hairdressing salons.

[D.lgsl. 625/1994--Protection against carcinogenic agents: the obligation to educate].

PubMed

Fucci, P; Anselmi, E; Bracci, C; Comba, P

1997-01-01

According to act 626/1994, employers have the duty to inform and train workers and their representatives. The implementation of training activities requires the following points: planning the training program according to the needs of the target population, use of the methods aimed at promoting learning and the adoption of safe behaviour, setting-up of evaluation tools. The disciplines of risk perception and communication and adult training may provide useful contribution in this frame. At the light of the preliminary experiences in this field, the importance of the following items for workers, workers representatives and employers is emphasized: probabilistic causality models, role of cognitive and emotional factors in the learning process, definition of carcinogenic according to national and international organisation, meaning of TLV with respect to carcinogenic exposure, interaction between carcinogens in the case of multiple exposition, risk evaluation, preventive measures, transfer of carcinogen risk from workplace to domestic environment, due to lack of compliance with basic hygienic rules such proper use of work clothes.

Personalized Support for Chronic Conditions

PubMed Central

D’Antrassi, Pierluigi; Ajčević, Miloš; Stellato, Kira; Di Lenarda, Andrea; Marceglia, Sara; Accardo, Agostino

2016-01-01

Summary Objective Solutions for improving management of chronic conditions are under the attention of healthcare systems, due to the increasing prevalence caused by demographic change and better survival, and the relevant impact on healthcare expenditures. The objective of this study was to propose a comprehensive architecture of a mHealth system aimed at boosting the active and informed participation of patients in their care process, while at the same time overcoming the current technical and psychological/clinical issues highlighted by the existing literature. Methods After having studied the current challenges outlined in the literature, both in terms of technological and human requirements, we focused our attention on some specific psychological aspects with a view to providing patients with a comprehensive and personalized solution. Our approach has been reinforced through the results of a preliminary assessment we conducted on 22 patients with chronic conditions. The main goal of such an assessment was to provide a preliminary understanding of their needs in a real context, both in terms of self-awareness and of their predisposition toward the use of IT solutions. Results According to the specific needs and features, such as mindfulness and gamification, which were identified through the literature and the preliminary assessment, we designed a comprehensive open architecture able to provide a tailor-made solution linked to specific individuals’ needs. Conclusion The present study represents the preliminary step towards the development of a solution aimed at enhancing patients’ actual perception and encouraging self-management and self-awareness for a better lifestyle. Future work regards further identification of pathology-related needs and requirements through focus groups including all stakeholders in order to describe the architecture and functionality in greater detail. PMID:27452661

Preliminary base heating environments for a generalized ALS LO2/LH2 launch vehicle, appendix 1 and 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bender, Robert L.; Reardon, John E.

1989-01-01

A secondary objective of contract NAS8-39141 is to provide base heating assessments, as required, to support Advanced Launch System (ALS) preliminary launch vehicle and propulsion system design studies. The ALS propulsion systems integration working group meeting (No. 3) recently completed in San Diego, California, focused attention on the need for base heating environment determination to provide preliminary requirements for LO2/LH2 propulsion systems currently being considered for ALS. We were requested to provide these environments for a range of possible propellant mixture and nozzle area ratios. Base heating environments can only be determined as a function of altitude when the engine operating conditions and vehicle base region geometry (engine arrangement) are known. If time dependent environments are needed to assess thermal loads, a trajectory must also be provided. These parameters are not fixed at this time since the ALS configurations and propulsion operating conditions are varied and continue to be studied by Phase B contractors. Therefore, for this study, a generalized LO2/LH2 system was selected along with a vehicle configuration consisting of a seven-engine booster and a three-engine core. MSFC provided guidance for the selection. We also selected a limited number of body points on the booster and core vehicles and engines for the environment estimates. Environments at these locations are representative of maximum heating conditions in the base region and are provided as a function of altitude only. Guidelines and assumptions for this assessment, methodology for determining the environments, and preliminary results are provided in this technical note. Refinements in the environments will be provided as the ALS design matures.

The Sam-Sam interaction between Ship2 and the EphA2 receptor: design and analysis of peptide inhibitors.

PubMed

Mercurio, Flavia Anna; Di Natale, Concetta; Pirone, Luciano; Iannitti, Roberta; Marasco, Daniela; Pedone, Emilia Maria; Palumbo, Rosanna; Leone, Marilisa

2017-12-12

The lipid phosphatase Ship2 represents a drug discovery target for the treatment of different diseases, including cancer. Its C-terminal sterile alpha motif domain (Ship2-Sam) associates with the Sam domain from the EphA2 receptor (EphA2-Sam). This interaction is expected to mainly induce pro-oncogenic effects in cells therefore, inhibition of the Ship2-Sam/EphA2-Sam complex may represent an innovative route to discover anti-cancer therapeutics. In the present work, we designed and analyzed several peptide sequences encompassing the interaction interface of EphA2-Sam for Ship2-Sam. Peptide conformational analyses and interaction assays with Ship2-Sam conducted through diverse techniques (CD, NMR, SPR and MST), identified a positively charged penta-amino acid native motif in EphA2-Sam, that once repeated three times in tandem, binds Ship2-Sam. NMR experiments show that the peptide targets the negatively charged binding site of Ship2-Sam for EphA2-Sam. Preliminary in vitro cell-based assays indicate that -at 50 µM concentration- it induces necrosis of PC-3 prostate cancer cells with more cytotoxic effect on cancer cells than on normal dermal fibroblasts. This work represents a pioneering study that opens further opportunities for the development of inhibitors of the Ship2-Sam/EphA2-Sam complex for therapeutic applications.

76 FR 44935 - Draft Guidance for Industry and Food and Drug Administration Staff; 510(k) Device Modifications...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2011-07-27

.... In August 2010, the Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH) published two documents in.... These documents are titled ``CDRH Preliminary Internal Evaluations--Volume I: 510(k) Working Group Preliminary Report and Recommendations'' and ``CDRH Preliminary Internal Evaluations--Volume II: Task Force on...

A Preliminary Report of National Estimates from the National Assessment of Educational Progress, 1992 Mathematics Assessment.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Elliott, Emerson J., Comp.

This report contains preliminary results from the 1992 mathematics assessment by the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) of nationally representative samples of about 26,000 4th, 8th and 12th grade students in 1,500 public schools and private schools in 44 states; and compares data to findings from the 1990 NAEP mathematics tests.…

Ten-State Nutrition Survey in the United States, 1968-70. Preliminary Report to the Congress, April 1971.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Center for Disease Control (DHEW/PHS), Atlanta, GA.

This report of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare to the Congress concerns the nutrition of people living in 10 states, from 1968-70. The data presented in this booklet present the preliminary findings for New York City and New York State. The data represent selected characteristics and findings in the population groups that were…

Preliminary Specifications (Hardware and Software) for a Center for Information Services. Final Report on Mechanized Information Services in the University Library, Phase I - Planning. Part 10.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

California Univ., Los Angeles. Inst. of Library Research.

The general conclusions of the planning study on Mechanized Information Services in the University Library are that such services represent a desirable, even necessary, extension of the library's traditional functions. Preliminary specifications for such a library-based "Center for Information Services" (CIS) are presented in this report. Covered…

The Mapping Project: Preliminary Results from the National Survey of Faculty. Revised.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Drago, Robert; Varner, Amy

This document reports preliminary results from a national survey of college faculty performed as part of the Mapping Project. The project and the survey concern the ways faculty balance, or do not balance, commitments to work and family. The theoretical framework was based on the work of J. Williams (1991) and others who have argued that an…

Teaching Note--Description and Preliminary Evaluation of a Modified College Experience for Adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Remis, Kimberly; Moore, Crystal Dea; Pichardo, Julia; Rosario, Zuliany; Moore, Jeffrey Palmer

2017-01-01

This article describes the implementation and preliminary evaluation of a modified college experience for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) at a small liberal arts college. To increase social work students' interest in working with this population and access of people with IDD to higher education, Bridges to Skidmore…

Pedestrian Pathfinding in Urban Environments: Preliminary Results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

López-Pazos, G.; Balado, J.; Díaz-Vilariño, L.; Arias, P.; Scaioni, M.

2017-12-01

With the rise of urban population, many initiatives are focused upon the smart city concept, in which mobility of citizens arises as one of the main components. Updated and detailed spatial information of outdoor environments is needed to accurate path planning for pedestrians, especially for people with reduced mobility, in which physical barriers should be considered. This work presents a methodology to use point clouds to direct path planning. The starting point is a classified point cloud in which ground elements have been previously classified as roads, sidewalks, crosswalks, curbs and stairs. The remaining points compose the obstacle class. The methodology starts by individualizing ground elements and simplifying them into representative points, which are used as nodes in the graph creation. The region of influence of obstacles is used to refine the graph. Edges of the graph are weighted according to distance between nodes and according to their accessibility for wheelchairs. As a result, we obtain a very accurate graph representing the as-built environment. The methodology has been tested in a couple of real case studies and Dijkstra algorithm was used to pathfinding. The resulting paths represent the optimal according to motor skills and safety.

Computing quality scores and uncertainty for approximate pattern matching in geospatial semantic graphs

DOE PAGES

Stracuzzi, David John; Brost, Randolph C.; Phillips, Cynthia A.; ...

2015-09-26

Geospatial semantic graphs provide a robust foundation for representing and analyzing remote sensor data. In particular, they support a variety of pattern search operations that capture the spatial and temporal relationships among the objects and events in the data. However, in the presence of large data corpora, even a carefully constructed search query may return a large number of unintended matches. This work considers the problem of calculating a quality score for each match to the query, given that the underlying data are uncertain. As a result, we present a preliminary evaluation of three methods for determining both match qualitymore » scores and associated uncertainty bounds, illustrated in the context of an example based on overhead imagery data.« less

Modeling and Analysis of Mixed Synchronous/Asynchronous Systems

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Driscoll, Kevin R.; Madl. Gabor; Hall, Brendan

2012-01-01

Practical safety-critical distributed systems must integrate safety critical and non-critical data in a common platform. Safety critical systems almost always consist of isochronous components that have synchronous or asynchronous interface with other components. Many of these systems also support a mix of synchronous and asynchronous interfaces. This report presents a study on the modeling and analysis of asynchronous, synchronous, and mixed synchronous/asynchronous systems. We build on the SAE Architecture Analysis and Design Language (AADL) to capture architectures for analysis. We present preliminary work targeted to capture mixed low- and high-criticality data, as well as real-time properties in a common Model of Computation (MoC). An abstract, but representative, test specimen system was created as the system to be modeled.

Assessment of statistical education in Indonesia: Preliminary results and initiation to simulation-based inference

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saputra, K. V. I.; Cahyadi, L.; Sembiring, U. A.

2018-01-01

Start in this paper, we assess our traditional elementary statistics education and also we introduce elementary statistics with simulation-based inference. To assess our statistical class, we adapt the well-known CAOS (Comprehensive Assessment of Outcomes in Statistics) test that serves as an external measure to assess the student’s basic statistical literacy. This test generally represents as an accepted measure of statistical literacy. We also introduce a new teaching method on elementary statistics class. Different from the traditional elementary statistics course, we will introduce a simulation-based inference method to conduct hypothesis testing. From the literature, it has shown that this new teaching method works very well in increasing student’s understanding of statistics.

Planetary Moon Cycler Trajectories

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Russell, Ryan P.; Strange, Nathan J.

2007-01-01

Free-return cycler trajectories repeatedly shuttle a spacecraft between two bodies using little or no fuel. Here, the cycler architecture is proposed as a complementary and alternative method for designing planetary moon tours. Previously applied enumerative cycler search and optimization techniques are generalized and specifically implemented in the Jovian and Saturnian moon systems. In addition, the algorithms are tested for general use to find non-Earth heliocentric cyclers. Overall, hundreds of ideal model ballistic cycler geometries are found and several representative cases are documented and discussed. Many of the ideal model solutions are found to remain ballistic in a zero radius sphere of influence patched conic ephemeris model, and preliminary work in a high-fidelity fully integrated model demonstrates near-ballistic cycles for several example cases.

Luminescence properties of lustre decorated majolica

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Galli, A.; Martini, M.; Sibilia, E.; Padeletti, G.; Fermo, P.

Luminescence measurements have been performed on several Italian Renaissance ceramic shards produced in central Italy, as well as on some others from Hispano-Moresque and Fatimid periods. The aim of this study was the characterisation of the raw materials used to manufacture lustre decorated majolica. At first, the thermoluminescence (TL) dating of all ceramic bodies was performed, because the shards lacked sure chronological attribution, having been provided by private collectors, or found during emergency restoration works or archaeological surveys. To characterise the defects and the recombination centers of the different components of the ceramics (ceramic body, glaze, glaze, and lustre), radioluminescence (RL) measurements have been performed on samples representative of each historical period. The dating results are reported, as well as the preliminary RL results.

Exploring preservice elementary teachers' critique and adaptation of science curriculum materials in respect to socioscientific issues

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Forbes, Cory T.; Davis, Elizabeth A.

2008-09-01

The work presented here represents a preliminary effort undertaken to address the role of teachers in supporting students’ learning and decision-making about socioscientific issues (SSI) by characterizing preservice elementary teachers’ critique and adaptation of SSI-based science curriculum materials and identifying factors that serve to mediate this process. Four undergraduate preservice elementary teachers were studied over the course of one semester. Results indicate that the teachers navigated multiple learning goals, as well as their own subject-matter knowledge, informal reasoning about SSI, and role identity, in their critique and adaptation of SSI-oriented science instructional materials. Implications for science teacher education and the design of curriculum materials in respect to SSI are discussed.

The Impact of Sea Surface Temperature on Organized Convective Storms Crossing over Coastlines

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lombardo, K.

2016-02-01

As organized coastal convective storms develop over land and move over the coastal ocean, their storm-scale structures, intensity, and associated weather threats evolve. This study aims to quantify the impact of sea surface temperature on the fundamental mechanisms controlling the evolution of coastal quasi-linear convective systems (QLCSs) as they move offshore. Results from this work will contribute to the improved predictability of these coastal, potentially severe warm season storms. The current work systematically studies the interaction between QLCSs and marine atmospheric boundary layers (MABLs) associated with the coastal ocean in an idealized numerical framework. The initial simulations are run in 2-dimensions, with a 250 m horizontal resolution and a vertical resolution ranging from 100 m in the lowest 3000 m stretched to 250 m at the top of the 20 km domain. To create a numerical environment representative of a coastal region, the western half of the 800 km domain is configured to represent a land surface, while the eastern half represents a water surface. A series of sensitivity experiments are conducted to explore the influence of sea surface temperature and the overlying MABL on coastal QLCSs. Sea surface temperature values are selected to represent values observed within the Mid-Atlantic Bight coastal waters, including 5oC (min SST - January), 14oC (early summer), and 23oC (late summer). The numerical MABL is allowed to develop through surface heat fluxes. Preliminary simulations indicate that SST influences storm structure, with the stratiform precipitation shield becoming progressively wider as SST increases. SST also impacts propagation speed; once the storms are over the water, the early and late summer QLCSs move more quickly than the min SST storm. The physical mechanisms contributing to these and other differences will be discussed.

Corrective emotional experience in an integrative affect-focused therapy: Building a preliminary model using task analysis.

PubMed

Nakamura, Kaori; Iwakabe, Shigeru

2018-03-01

The present study constructed a preliminary process model of corrective emotional experience (CEE) in an integrative affect-focused therapy. Task analysis was used to analyse 6 in-session events taken from 6 Japanese clients who worked with an integrative affect-focused therapist. The 6 events included 3 successful CEEs and 3 partially successful CEEs for comparison. A rational-empirical model of CEE was generated, which consisted of two parallel client change processes, intrapersonal change and interpersonal change, and the therapist interventions corresponding to each process. Therapist experiential interventions and therapist affirmation facilitated both intrapersonal and interpersonal change processes, whereas his relational interventions were associated with the interpersonal change process. The partially successful CEEs were differentiated by the absence of the component of core painful emotions or negative beliefs in intrapersonal change process, which seemed crucial for the interpersonal change process to develop. CEE is best represented by a preliminary model that depicts two parallel yet interacting change processes. Intrapersonal change process is similar to the sequence of change described by the emotional processing model (Pascual-Leone & Greenberg, ), whereas interpersonal change process is a unique contribution of this study. Interpersonal change process was facilitated when the therapist's active stance and use of immediacy responses to make their relational process explicit allowed a shared exploration. Therapist affirmation bridged intrapersonal change to interpersonal change by promoting an adaptive sense of self in clients and forging a deeper emotional connection between the two. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

What Lies Behind NSF Astronomer Demographics? Subjectivities of Women, Minorities and Foreign-born Astronomers within Meshworks of Big Science Astronomy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Guillen, Reynal; Gu, D.; Holbrook, J.; Murillo, L. F.; Traweek, S.

2011-01-01

Our current research focuses on the trajectory of scientists working with large-scale databases in astronomy, following them as they strategically build their careers, digital infrastructures, and make their epistemological commitments. We look specifically at how gender, ethnicity, nationality intersect in the process of subject formation in astronomy, as well as in the process of enrolling partners for the construction of instruments, design and implementation of large-scale databases. Work once figured as merely technical support, such assembling data catalogs, or as graphic design, generating pleasing images for public support, has been repositioned at the core of the field. Some have argued that such databases enable a new kind of scientific inquiry based on data exploration, such as the "fourth paradigm" or "data-driven" science. Our preliminary findings based on oral history interviews and ethnography provide insights into meshworks of women, African-American, "Hispanic," Asian-American and foreign-born astronomers. Our preliminary data suggest African-American men are more successful in sustaining astronomy careers than Chicano and Asian-American men. A distinctive theme in our data is the glocal character of meshworks available to and created by foreign-born women astronomers working at US facilities. Other data show that the proportion of Asian to Asian American and foreign-born Latina/o to Chicana/o astronomers is approximately equal. Futhermore, Asians and Latinas/os are represented in significantly greater numbers than Asian Americans and Chicanas/os. Among professional astronomers in the US, each ethnic minority group is numbered on the order of tens, not hundreds. Project support is provided by the NSF EAGER program to University of California, Los Angeles under award 0956589.

A hybrid fault diagnosis approach based on mixed-domain state features for rotating machinery.

PubMed

Xue, Xiaoming; Zhou, Jianzhong

2017-01-01

To make further improvement in the diagnosis accuracy and efficiency, a mixed-domain state features data based hybrid fault diagnosis approach, which systematically blends both the statistical analysis approach and the artificial intelligence technology, is proposed in this work for rolling element bearings. For simplifying the fault diagnosis problems, the execution of the proposed method is divided into three steps, i.e., fault preliminary detection, fault type recognition and fault degree identification. In the first step, a preliminary judgment about the health status of the equipment can be evaluated by the statistical analysis method based on the permutation entropy theory. If fault exists, the following two processes based on the artificial intelligence approach are performed to further recognize the fault type and then identify the fault degree. For the two subsequent steps, mixed-domain state features containing time-domain, frequency-domain and multi-scale features are extracted to represent the fault peculiarity under different working conditions. As a powerful time-frequency analysis method, the fast EEMD method was employed to obtain multi-scale features. Furthermore, due to the information redundancy and the submergence of original feature space, a novel manifold learning method (modified LGPCA) is introduced to realize the low-dimensional representations for high-dimensional feature space. Finally, two cases with 12 working conditions respectively have been employed to evaluate the performance of the proposed method, where vibration signals were measured from an experimental bench of rolling element bearing. The analysis results showed the effectiveness and the superiority of the proposed method of which the diagnosis thought is more suitable for practical application. Copyright © 2016 ISA. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Satellite services system analysis study. Volume 5: Programmatics

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1981-01-01

The overall program and resources needed for development and operation of a Satellite Services System is reviewed. Program requirements covered system operations through 1993 and were completed in preliminary form. Program requirements were refined based on equipment preliminary design and analysis. Schedules, costs, equipment utilization, and facility/advanced technology requirements were included in the update. Equipment user charges were developed for each piece of equipment and for representative satellite servicing missions.

Hybrid microneedles devices for diagnostic and therapeutic applications: fabrication and preliminary results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dardano, P.; Caliò, A.; Politi, J.; Di Palma, V.; Bevilacqua, M. F.; Rea, I.; Casalino, M.; Di Matteo, A.; Rendina, I.; De Stefano, L.

2015-06-01

Microneedles are newly developed biomedical devices, whose advantages are mainly in the non-invasiveness, discretion and versatility of use both as diagnostics and as therapeutics tool. In fact, they can be used both for drugs delivery in the interstitial fluids and for the analysis of the interstitial fluid. In this work we present the preliminary results for two devices based on micro needles in PolyEthylene (Glycol). The first for the drugs delivery includes a membrane whose optical reflected wavelength is related to the concentration of drug. Here, we present our preliminary result in diffusion of drugs between the membrane and the microneedles. The second device is gold coated and it works as electrode for the electrochemical detection of species in the interstitial fluid. A preliminary result in detection of glucose will be shown.

Preliminary clinical nursing leadership competency model: a qualitative study from Thailand.

PubMed

Supamanee, Treeyaphan; Krairiksh, Marisa; Singhakhumfu, Laddawan; Turale, Sue

2011-12-01

This qualitative study explored the clinical nursing leadership competency perspectives of Thai nurses working in a university hospital. To collect data, in-depth interviews were undertaken with 23 nurse administrators, and focus groups were used with 31 registered nurses. Data were analyzed using content analysis, and theory development was guided by the Iceberg model. Nurses' clinical leadership competencies emerged, comprising hidden characteristics and surface characteristics. The hidden characteristics composed three elements: motive (respect from the nursing and healthcare team and being secure in life), self-concept (representing positive attitudes and values), and traits (personal qualities necessary for leadership). The surface characteristics comprised specific knowledge of nurse leaders about clinical leadership, management and nursing informatics, and clinical skills, such as coordination, effective communication, problem solving, and clinical decision-making. The study findings help nursing to gain greater knowledge of the essence of clinical nursing leadership competencies, a matter critical for theory development in leadership. This study's results later led to the instigation of a training program for registered nurse leaders at the study site, and the formation of a preliminary clinical nursing leadership competency model. © 2011 Blackwell Publishing Asia Pty Ltd.

Pilot scale biodiesel production from microbial oil of Rhodosporidium toruloides DEBB 5533 using sugarcane juice: Performance in diesel engine and preliminary economic study.

PubMed

Soccol, Carlos Ricardo; Dalmas Neto, Carlos José; Soccol, Vanete Thomaz; Sydney, Eduardo Bittencourt; da Costa, Eduardo Scopel Ferreira; Medeiros, Adriane Bianchi Pedroni; Vandenberghe, Luciana Porto de Souza

2017-01-01

A successful pilot-scale process for biodiesel production from microbial oil (Biooil) produced by Rhodosporidium toruloides DEBB 5533 is presented. Using fed-batch strategy (1000L working volume), a lipid productivity of 0.44g/L.h was obtained using a low-cost medium composed by sugarcane juice and urea. The microbial oil was used for biodiesel production and its performance was evaluated in diesel engine tests, showing very good performance, especially for the blend B20 SCO, when operating at 2500rpm with lower pollutant emissions (CO 2 - 220% less; CO - 7-fold less; NO X 50% less and no detectable HC emissions (<0.11ppm)) when compared with the blends of standard biofuel from soybean oil. A preliminary analysis showed that microbial biodiesel is economically competitive (US$ 0.76/L) when compared to the vegetable biodiesel (US$ 0.81/L). Besides, the yield of biodiesel from microbial oil is higher (4172L/ha of cultivated sugarcane) that represents 6.3-fold the yield of standard biodiesel (661L/ha of cultivated soybean). Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Developing a self-rating measure of patient competence in the context of oncology: a multi-center study.

PubMed

Giesler, Jürgen M; Weis, Joachim

2008-11-01

Concepts of patient competence (PC) are being increasingly used, but seldom clearly defined in the context of shared medical treatment decision making and coping with cancer. The meaning of such concepts should therefore be clarified, and measures developed that permit the assessment of different facets of this patient characteristic. Consequently, this study attempted to contribute to the definition and measurement of PC. Employing literature reviews and qualitative interviews, we developed a working definition of PC in the context of cancer from which we designed a self-rating measure of this patient characteristic that was then tested for validity and reliability in a sample of N=536 patients with cancer. Using factor analyses, we developed five problem- and three emotion-focused subscales that measure distinct facets of PC with satisfactory reliability. Additional analyses provide preliminary evidence of the instruments' validity. This study represents an essential first step in developing a reliable self-rating measure of PC in the context of cancer. Although further refinement of this measure is clearly required, it provides a preliminary methodological basis for empirically investigating the determinants and potential health effects of PC. (c) 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Preliminary results of chronostratigraphic field work, OSL-dating and morphogenetic reconstruction of an alluvial apron at Alborz southern foothill, Damghan basin, Iran

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Büdel, Christian; Fuchs, Markus; Majid Padashi, Seyed; Baumhauer, Roland

2014-05-01

Here we present preliminary results of a chronostratigraphic study of an alluvial fan in the Damghan Basin, northern Iran. The basin sediments date back to the Mio- and Pliocene and therefore represent the starting point of alluvial fan aggradation. Today, the still active alluvial fans prograde from the Albors Mountain ranges and sit on the older sediment bodies. In this study, our focus is on the late Pleistocene to Holocene alluvial fan sedimentation history. The upper stratigraphy of the alluvial fans and intercalated lake deposits is characterized by six individual layers of gravels and fines, representing six different stratigraphic units. These units are described and classified by detailed geomorphological and stratigraphic mapping. To establish an alluvial fan chronology, six profiles were sampled for OSL dating. As expected, due to the high-energy transport system of alluvial fan aggradation in semi-desert environments, OSL dating of these sediments is challenging due to the problem of insufficient bleaching. Consequently, most of the samples are interpreted as maximum ages. However, the measurements show a consistent internal age structure and the overall OSL-based chronology is in agreement with the age model derived from our geomorphological analysis. As a first interpretation, based on surveyed geomorphological features and chronological analysis, we could identify seven morphodynamic phases, leading to a genetic model of alluvial fan aggradation. The oldest Pleistocene age estimate is derived from a former lake terrace. The following ages represent ongoing lake sediment deposition and the development of a proximal and mid-fan gravel cover. After the youngest lake deposits were accumulated within the Holocene, the lake starts to retreat and small alluvial fans are filling up the former lake bottom. This last sedimentation phase can be divided in at least two sub-phases, probably coupled to a lateral shifting of the active depositional lobe and to the abandonment and shallow incision of mid fan surfaces.

New Whole-House Solutions Case Study: Northwest Energy Efficient Manufactured Housing Program High-Performance Test Homes - Pacific Northwest

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

None

2015-05-01

This project represents the third phase of a multi-year effort to develop and bring to market a High Performance Manufactured Home (HPMH). In this project, the Northwest Energy Efficient Manufactured Housing Program worked with Building America Partnership for Improved Residential Construction and Bonneville Power Administration to help four factory homebuilders build prototype zero energy ready manufactured homes, resulting in what is expected to be a 30% savings relative to the Building America Benchmark. (The actual % savings varies depending on choice of heating equipment and climate zone). Previous phases of this project created a HPMH specification and prototyped individual measuresmore » from the package to obtain engineering approvals and develop preliminary factory construction processes. This case study describes the project team's work during 2014 to build prototype homes to the HPMH specifications and to monitor the homes for energy performance and durability. Monitoring is expected to continue into 2016.« less

Positioning continuing education: boundaries and intersections between the domains continuing education, knowledge translation, patient safety and quality improvement.

PubMed

Kitto, Simon; Bell, Mary; Peller, Jennifer; Sargeant, Joan; Etchells, Edward; Reeves, Scott; Silver, Ivan

2013-03-01

Public and professional concern about health care quality, safety and efficiency is growing. Continuing education, knowledge translation, patient safety and quality improvement have made concerted efforts to address these issues. However, a coordinated and integrated effort across these domains is lacking. This article explores and discusses the similarities and differences amongst the four domains in relation to their missions, stakeholders, methods, and limitations. This paper highlights the potential for a more integrated and collaborative partnership to promote networking and information sharing amongst the four domains. This potential rests on the premise that an integrated approach may result in the development and implementation of more holistic and effective interdisciplinary interventions. In conclusion, an outline of current research that is informed by the preliminary findings in this paper is also briefly discussed. The research concerns a comprehensive mapping of the relationships between the domains to gain an understanding of potential dissonances between how the domains represent themselves, their work and the work of their 'partner' domains.

Novel concepts for low-cost and high-efficient thin film solar cells

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gómez, D.; Menéndez, A.; Sánchez, P.; Martínez, A.; Andrés, L. J.; Menéndez, M. F.; Campos, N.; García, A.; Sánchez, B.

2011-09-01

This work presents the activities carried out at ITMA Materials Technology related to the building integration of thin film (TF) photovoltaics (PV). Three different approaches have been developed in order to achieve high efficient solar cells at low manufacturing costs: (i) a new route for manufacturing monolithical silicon based thin film solar cells on building materials, (ii) the use of metallic nanoparticles for light trapping (plasmonic effects and light scattering) and (iii) the luminescent sol-gel coating on glass for solar concentration. In the first case, amorphous silicon modules (single junction) have been successfully manufactured at lab scale on steel and commercial ceramic substrates with efficiencies of 5.4% and 4.0%, respectively. Promising initial attempts have been also made in ethylene tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), a polymer with high potential in textile architecture. In a similar way, the development of nanotechnology based coatings (metallic nanoparticles and luminescent materials) represent the most innovative part of the work and some preliminary results are showed.

Properties of Alfven Eigenmodes in the TAE range on the National Spherical Torus Experiment-Upgrade

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

None

2013-04-24

A second Neutral Beam (NB) injection line is being installed on the NSTX Upgrade device, resulting in six NB sources with di erent tangency radii that will be available for heating and current drive. This work explores the properties of instabilities in the frequency range of the Toroidal Alfv en Eigenmode (TAE) for NSTX-U scenarios with various NB injection geometries, from more perpendicular to more tangential, and with increased toroidal magnetic eld with respect to previous NSTX scenarios. Predictions are based on analysis through the ideal MHD code NOVA-K. For the scenarios considered in this work, modi cations of themore » Alfv en continuum result in a frequency upshift and a broadening of the radial mode structure. The latter e ect may have consequences for fast ion transport and loss. Preliminary stability considerations indicate that TAEs are potentially unstable, with ion Landau damping representing the dominant damping mechanism« less

Preliminary Characterization of the Noise-Immune Stethoscope (NIS) in High Ambient Noise Environment Using a Reverberation Sound Chamber

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-02-01

unlimited This report details the preliminary testing of advanced technology development for clinical auscultation in high noise environments. The Noise...represents a viable answer to the need for clinical auscultation in high noise environments across the spectrum of casualty care. stethoscope, auscultation ...sounds, and these sounds prove very useful for clinical assessment and diagnosis (Bloch, 1993). Since that time, clinical auscultation by way of a

Representation of micrometeorological and physiological parameters with numerical models influencing the vineyard ecosystem: the case of Piemonte (Italy).

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Andreoli, Valentina; Cassardo, Claudio; Cavalletto, Silvia; Ferrarese, Silvia; Guidoni, Silvia; Mania, Elena; Spanna, Federico

2017-04-01

Grapevine represents worldwide key economic activities, with Europe representing the largest vineyard area in the world (38%). This is also true both for Italy and for its Piemonte region, in which famous and renowned wines (such as Barolo and Barbaresco) are produced. Grapevine productivity depends on several factors including soil fertility, management practices, climate and meteorology. In particular, concerning the latter, there is a need for a reliable assessment of the effects of a changing climate on its yield and quality. However, in this respect, it is essential to understand how and how much climate and meteorology affect grape productivity and quality, since only few studies related to few regions in the world have been produced. In this context, crop models are essential tools for investigating the effects of climate change on crop development and growth via the integration of existing knowledge of crop physiology relating to changing environmental conditions. Nevertheless, crop models were developed and applied mainly for studying the responses to climate change of annual crops (e.g. cereals); whilst appropriate crop models and application of these are still limited for tree crops such as grapevine. The rationale of the study, included in the MACSUR2 JPI FACCE project, is to use the third generation land surface model UTOPIA (University of TOrino model of land Process Interaction with Atmosphere) [1], in order to evaluate all components of hydrological and energy budget, as well as soil and canopy parameters, on a specific subset of land use, the vineyards. A preliminary step of this work has been to compare the datasets resulted from the calculations made by the UTOPIA and some experimental datasets acquired within vineyards by our team in the past experiments. The reason for such control is to ensure that UTOPIA outputs could be considered as sufficiently representative of the climatology of vineyards. Thus, some Piedmontese vineyards were selected, each one characterized by same climatic but different microclimatic conditions, in which measurements of a wide number of variables were performed in the vegetative seasons (such as in the experiment MASGRAPE). Subsequently, in this study, the results of additional simulations performed using the freely available global database GLDAS (Global Land Data Assimilation System) were compared with those of the simulations driven by observations, in order to check if the model was still able to reproduce the microclimatic characteristics of the vineyards. This preliminary part of the study gave satisfactory results; thus, we could pass to the phase two of the project. In this phase, using GLDAS database, long term simulations will be carried out with the UTOPIA in order to have output data available on a period of climatic interest (30 years or more). This database could be used in order to perform climatic statistics and assess possible trends in some parameters, eventually to be correlated with grape production. In the talk, the preliminary aspects of this work will be illustrated.

The Case for the Development of a Theoretical Framework for Defence Acquisition

DTIC Science & Technology

2014-04-30

the preliminary results of a pan-European working party of defence academics based in Sweden, Germany , and the UK. This group sought to surface the...preliminary results of a pan-European working party of defence academics based in Sweden, Germany , and the UK. This group sought to surface the...it involved a series of on-going discussions over a six month period between European academics and practitioners (drawn from France, Germany

Preliminary design of a solar central receiver for site-specific repowering application (Saguaro Power Plant). Volume II. Preliminary design. Final report, October 1982-September 1983

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Weber, E.R.

1983-09-01

The solar central receiver technology, site, and specific unit for repowering were selected in prior analyses and studies. The objectives of this preliminary design study were to: develop a solar central receiver repowering design for Saguaro that (1) has potential to be economically competitive with fossil fueled plants in near and long term applications, (2) has the greatest chance for completion without further government funding, (3) will further define technical and economic feasibility of a 66 MWe gross size plant that is adequate to meet the requirements for utility and industrial process heat applications, (4) can potentially be constructed andmore » operated within the next five years, and (5) incorporates solar central receiver technology and represents state-of-the-art development. This volume on the preliminary design includes the following sections: executive summary; introduction; changes from advanced conceptual design; preliminary design; system characteristics; economic analysis; and development plan.« less

U.S. response to a report of infectious salmon anemia virus in Western North America

USGS Publications Warehouse

Amos, Kevin H; Gustafson, Lori; Warg, Janet; Whaley, Janet; Purcell, Maureen K.; Rolland, Jill B.; Winton, James R.; Snekvik, Kevin; Meyers, Theodore; Stewart, Bruce; Kerwin, John; Blair, Marilyn; Bader, Joel; Evered, Joy

2014-01-01

Federal, state, and tribal fishery managers, as well as the general public and their elected representatives in the United States, were concerned when infectious salmon anemia virus (ISAV) was suspected for the first time in free-ranging Pacific Salmon collected from the coastal areas of British Columbia, Canada. This article documents how national and regional fishery managers and fish health specialists of the U.S. worked together and planned and implemented actions in response to the reported finding of ISAV in British Columbia. To date, the reports by Simon Fraser University remain unconfirmed and preliminary results from collaborative U.S. surveillance indicate that there is no evidence of ISAV in U.S. populations of free-ranging or marine-farmed salmonids on the west coast of North America.

Parametric study of guided waves dispersion curves for composite plates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Predoi, Mihai Valentin; Petre, Cristian Cǎtǎlin; Kettani, Mounsif Ech Cherif El; Leduc, Damien

2018-02-01

Nondestructive testing of composite panels benefit from the relatively long range propagation of guided waves in sandwich structures. The guided waves are sensitive to delamination, air bubbles inclusions and cracks and can thus bring information about hidden defects in the composite panel. The preliminary data in all such inspections is represented by the dispersion curves, representing the dependency of the phase/group velocity on the frequency for the propagating modes. In fact, all modes are more or less attenuated, so it is even more important to compute the dispersion curves, which provide also the modal attenuation as function of frequency. Another important aspect is the sensitivity of the dispersion curves on each of the elastic constant of the composite, which are orthotropic in most cases. All these aspects are investigated in the present work, based on our specially developed finite element numerical model implemented in Comsol, which has several advantages over existing methods. The dispersion curves and modal displacements are computed for an example of composite plate. Comparison with literature data validates the accuracy of our results.

Ballistic representation for kinematic access

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Alfano, Salvatore

2011-01-01

This work uses simple two-body orbital dynamics to initially determine the kinematic access for a ballistic vehicle. Primarily this analysis was developed to assess when a rocket body might conjunct with an orbiting satellite platform. A family of access opportunities can be represented as a volume for a specific rocket relative to its launch platform. Alternately, the opportunities can be represented as a geographical footprint relative to aircraft or satellite position that encompasses all possible launcher locations for a specific rocket. A thrusting rocket is treated as a ballistic vehicle that receives all its energy at launch and follows a coasting trajectory. To do so, the rocket's burnout energy is used to find its equivalent initial velocity for a given launcher's altitude. Three kinematic access solutions are then found that account for spherical Earth rotation. One solution finds the maximum range for an ascent-only trajectory while another solution accommodates a descending trajectory. In addition, the ascent engagement for the descending trajectory is used to depict a rapid access scenario. These preliminary solutions are formulated to address ground-, sea-, or air-launched vehicles.

Performance of a Block Structured, Hierarchical Adaptive MeshRefinement Code on the 64k Node IBM BlueGene/L Computer

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Greenough, Jeffrey A.; de Supinski, Bronis R.; Yates, Robert K.

2005-04-25

We describe the performance of the block-structured Adaptive Mesh Refinement (AMR) code Raptor on the 32k node IBM BlueGene/L computer. This machine represents a significant step forward towards petascale computing. As such, it presents Raptor with many challenges for utilizing the hardware efficiently. In terms of performance, Raptor shows excellent weak and strong scaling when running in single level mode (no adaptivity). Hardware performance monitors show Raptor achieves an aggregate performance of 3:0 Tflops in the main integration kernel on the 32k system. Results from preliminary AMR runs on a prototype astrophysical problem demonstrate the efficiency of the current softwaremore » when running at large scale. The BG/L system is enabling a physics problem to be considered that represents a factor of 64 increase in overall size compared to the largest ones of this type computed to date. Finally, we provide a description of the development work currently underway to address our inefficiencies.« less

HAZWOPER work plan and site safety and health plan for the Alpha characterization project at the solid waste storage area 4 bathtubbing trench at Oak Ridge National Laboratory

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

1994-07-01

This work plan/site safety and health plan is for the alpha sampling project at the Solid Waste Storage Area 4 bathtubbing trench. The work will be conducted by the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL) Environmental Sciences Division and associated ORNL environmental, safety, and health support groups. This activity will fall under the scope of 29 CFR 1910.120, Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER). The purpose of this document is to establish health and safety guidelines to be followed by all personnel involved in conducting work for this project. Work will be conducted in accordance with requirements as stipulated inmore » the ORNL HAZWOPER Program Manual and applicable ORNL; Martin Marietta Energy Systems, Inc.; and U.S. Department of Energy policies and procedures. The levels of protection and the procedures specified in this plan are based on the best information available from historical data and preliminary evaluations of the area. Therefore, these recommendations represent the minimum health and safety requirements to be observed by all personnel engaged in this project. Unforeseeable site conditions or changes in scope of work may warrant a reassessment of the stated protection levels and controls. All adjustments to the plan must have prior approval by the safety and health disciplines signing the original plan.« less

Preliminary Advanced Colloids Experiment

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-09-29

ISS029-E-011867 (29 Sept. 2011) --- NASA astronaut Mike Fossum, Expedition 29 commander, works with the Light Microscopy Module (LMM) control box in the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station in preparation for another session with the Preliminary Advanced Colloids Experiment (PACE) hardware.

A Preliminary Case Study of SCALE Activities at the University of Wisconsin-Madison: Factors Influencing Change Initiatives in STEM Undergraduate Education, Teacher Training, and Partnerships with K-12 Districts. WCER Working Paper No. 2007-2

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hora, Matthew T.; Millar, Susan B.

2007-01-01

This report on the SCALE Institutions of Higher Education (IHE) Case Studies line of work provides preliminary findings about SCALE activities at the University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW-Madison). This study focuses on the structural and behavioral dynamics influencing the implementation of the four core SCALE strategies for effecting change in…

19 CFR 111.59 - Preliminary proceedings.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... submissions and demonstrations of the character contemplated by the cited statutory provisions; (6) Invites... into; (7) Advises the broker of his right to be represented by counsel; (8) Specifies the place where...

A preliminary study of the effects of working memory training on brain function.

PubMed

Stevens, Michael C; Gaynor, Alexandra; Bessette, Katie L; Pearlson, Godfrey D

2016-06-01

Working memory (WM) training improves WM ability in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), but its efficacy for non-cognitive ADHD impairments ADHD has been sharply debated. The purpose of this preliminary study was to characterize WM training-related changes in ADHD brain function and see if they were linked to clinical improvement. We examined 18 adolescents diagnosed with DSM-IV Combined-subtype ADHD before and after 25 sessions of WM training using a frequently employed approach (Cogmed™) using a nonverbal Sternberg WM fMRI task, neuropsychological tests, and participant- and parent-reports of ADHD symptom severity and associated functional impairment. Whole brain SPM8 analyses identified ADHD activation deficits compared to 18 non-ADHD control participants, then tested whether impaired ADHD frontoparietal brain activation would increase following WM training. Post hoc tests examined the relationships between neural changes and neurocognitive or clinical improvements. As predicted, WM training increased WM performance, ADHD clinical functioning, and WM-related ADHD brain activity in several frontal, parietal and temporal lobe regions. Increased left inferior frontal sulcus region activity was seen in all Encoding, Maintenance, and Retrieval Sternberg task phases. ADHD symptom severity improvements were most often positively correlated with activation gains in brain regions known to be engaged for WM-related executive processing; improvement of different symptom types had different neural correlates. The responsiveness of both amodal WM frontoparietal circuits and executive process-specific WM brain regions was altered by WM training. The latter might represent a promising, relatively unexplored treatment target for researchers seeking to optimize clinical response in ongoing ADHD WM training development efforts.

Preliminary results of high resolution magneto-biostratigraphy of continental sequences in Chapala Basin, Southwestern Mexico

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Mendez Cardenas, D. L.; Benammi, M.

2007-05-01

Chapala Lake is south from Guadalajara, Jalisco State (Southwestern Mexico). Belongs to a series of Pliocenic lakes along the Mexican Volcanic Belt. It is localized in the Chapala rift, and the entire area is controlled by the tectonic setting of the Colima, Tepic and Chapala rifts, constituting the triple junction rift-rift-rift. The deposits studied belong to volcanosedimentary sequences, composed by lacustrine and fluvial associations alternated with units of ash and pumice. The faunistic component reported consists at least of 27 mammals species, and the sediments were there're in have to work with special attention for seek rodents by handpicking. Probably these rodents will be the clue to determine the deposits correlation. Core demagnetization shows that they are low-coercivity magnetic minerals like magnetite or Ti-magnetite. It was verified that the characteristic magnetization corresponds to MNRp and the inversion test resulted good. Rodents are represented by Geomynae, Sigmondontinae and Sciurinae. The Geomynae family is the most common, and the faunistic association indicates Blancan age. This also allows a correlation with the polarity pattern in the GSS between 3,6 and 2,6 Ma. Actually, is known that this kind of studies in continental sequences supported with paleontological record of vertebrates could give us a more precised calibration of the age of such deposits. Allowing better understanding of the evolution of these mammals and their path trough geological record. This work shows the preliminary results of rodents palaeontology and high resolution magneto-stratigraphy in the units from to Chapala Basin.

Abrasion Testing of Candidate Outer Layer Fabrics for Lunar EVA Space Suits

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mitchell, Kathryn

2009-01-01

During the Apollo program, the space suit outer layer fabrics were severely abraded after just a few Extravehicular Activities (EVAs). For example, the Apollo 12 commander reported abrasive wear on the boots, which penetrated the outer layer fabric into the thermal protection layers after less than eight hours of surface operations. Current plans for the Constellation Space Suit Element require the space suits to support hundreds of hours of EVA on the Lunar surface, creating a challenge for space suit designers to utilize materials advances made over the last forty years and improve upon the space suit fabrics used in the Apollo program. A test methodology has been developed by the NASA Johnson Space Center Crew and Thermal Systems Division for establishing comparative abrasion wear characteristics between various candidate space suit outer layer fabrics. The abrasion test method incorporates a large rotary drum tumbler with rocks and loose lunar simulant material to induce abrasion in fabric test cylinder elements, representative of what might occur during long term planetary surface EVAs. Preliminary materials screening activities were conducted to determine the degree of wear on representative space suit outer layer materials and the corresponding dust permeation encountered between subsequent sub-layers of thermal protective materials when exposed to a simulated worst case eight hour EVA. The test method was used to provide a preliminary evaluation of four candidate outer layer fabrics for future planetary surface space suit applications. This paper provides a review of previous abrasion studies on space suit fabrics, details the methodologies used for abrasion testing in this particular study, shares the results of the testing, and provides recommendations for future work.

23 CFR 668.111 - Application procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... intent to apply for ER funds. (b) Damage survey. As soon as practical after occurrence, the State will make a preliminary field survey, working cooperatively with the FHWA Division Administrator and other governmental agencies with jurisdiction over eligible highways. The preliminary field survey should be...

Work Place Impact of Working Parents. Preliminary Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Phillips, Tyler D.; And Others

Intended for employers requiring facts about the child care problems of their working-parent employees, findings reported here relate primarily to the amount of work time which working parents devote to child care. Specifically discussed are frequency of care changes, time spent finding care, work time missed by working parents, consideration…

Whole body pointing movements in transient microgravity: preliminary results.

PubMed

Tagliabue, Michele; Pedrocchi, Alessandra; Gower, Valerio; Ferrigno, Giancarlo; Pozzo, Thierry

2004-07-01

The aim of the present study is a better comprehension of strategies of motor coordination during complex movements. In this field of research microgravity represent a unique experimental condition for the investigation of the role of equilibrium control in movement planning. Namely, here we focus on two important issues: the centre of mass control and the endpoint trajectory. Preliminary results of the center of mass position and the finger path curvature during pointing movements performed under normal and transient microgravity conditions are presented.

Preliminary model and validation of molten carbonate fuel cell kinetics under sulphur poisoning

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Audasso, E.; Nam, S.; Arato, E.; Bosio, B.

2017-06-01

MCFC represents an effective technology to deal with CO2 capture and relative applications. If used for these purposes, due to the working conditions and the possible feeding, MCFC must cope with a different number of poisoning gases such as sulphur compounds. In literature, different works deal with the development of kinetic models to describe MCFC performance to help both industrial applications and laboratory simulations. However, in literature attempts to realize a proper model able to consider the effects of poisoning compounds are scarce. The first aim of the present work is to provide a semi-empirical kinetic formulation capable to take into account the effects that sulphur compounds (in particular SO2) have on the MCFC performance. The second aim is to provide a practical example of how to effectively include the poisoning effects in kinetic models to simulate fuel cells performances. To test the reliability of the proposed approach, the obtained formulation is implemented in the kinetic core of the SIMFC (SIMulation of Fuel Cells) code, an MCFC 3D model realized by the Process Engineering Research Team (PERT) of the University of Genova. Validation is performed through data collected at the Korea Institute of Science and Technology in Seoul.

Full-Field Reconstruction of Structural Deformations and Loads from Measured Strain Data on a Wing Using the Inverse Finite Element Method

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Miller, Eric J.; Manalo, Russel; Tessler, Alexander

2016-01-01

A study was undertaken to investigate the measurement of wing deformation and internal loads using measured strain data. Future aerospace vehicle research depends on the ability to accurately measure the deformation and internal loads during ground testing and in flight. The approach uses the inverse Finite Element Method (iFEM). The iFEM is a robust, computationally efficient method that is well suited for real-time measurement of real-time structural deformation and loads. The method has been validated in previous work, but has yet to be applied to a large-scale test article. This work is in preparation for an upcoming loads test of a half-span test wing in the Flight Loads Laboratory at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Armstrong Flight Research Center (Edwards, California). The method has been implemented into an efficient MATLAB® (The MathWorks, Inc., Natick, Massachusetts) code for testing different sensor configurations. This report discusses formulation and implementation along with the preliminary results from a representative aerospace structure. The end goal is to investigate the modeling and sensor placement approach so that the best practices can be applied to future aerospace projects.

[Clinical recommendations for sport practice in diabetic patients (RECORD Guide). Diabetes Mellitus Working Group of the Spanish Society of Endocrinology and Nutrition (SEEN)].

PubMed

Gargallo-Fernández, Manuel; Escalada San Martín, Javier; Gómez-Peralta, Fernando; Rozas Moreno, Pedro; Marco Martínez, Amparo; Botella-Serrano, Marta; Tejera Pérez, Cristina; López Fernández, Judith

2015-01-01

Sporting activity is becoming a common practice in patients with diabetes mellitus (DM). This situation requires both a preliminary medical assessment and a wide range of changes in treatment which have scarcely been addressed in medical literature. To prepare a clinical guideline on the medical approach to patients with diabetes who practice sport regularly. An expert panel from the Diabetes Mellitus Working Group of the Spanish Society of Endocrinology and Nutrition (SEEN) reviewed the most relevant literature in each of the sections. Based both on this review and on data from the experience of a number of athletes with DM, a number of recommendations were agreed within each section. Finally, the Working Group and representatives of the SEEN jointly discussed all these recommendations. The guideline provides recommendations ranging from medical assessment before patients with DM start to practice sport to actions during and after physical activity. Recommendations are also given on aspects such as the impact of sport on blood glucose control, training schemes, or special risk situations. Copyright © 2015 SEEN. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U. All rights reserved.

Student reflections following exposure to a case-based interprofessional learning experience: Preliminary findings.

PubMed

Goldberg, Lynette R; Brown, Gina R; Mosack, Victoria A; Fletcher, Phyllis A

2015-01-01

This study analyzed students' written reflections following their initial exposure to interprofessional teamwork in case-based problem-solving. A three-hour seminar featuring three sequenced scenarios was developed and offered 12-times over two semesters. A total of 305 students from a variety of healthcare programs worked together with standardized patients in an on-campus laboratory simulating hospital ward and rehabilitation settings. A thematic analysis of students' reflections showed that they valued the shared learning and realistic case study. However, they felt the experience would be strengthened by working in smaller, more representative teams that included students from medicine, psychology, and social work to enable more effective communication and comprehensive case discussion. While useful for future planning, the identified themes did not enable a comparative statistical analysis of what students found helpful and difficult and a re-coding of students' responses now is underway. Implications for measuring the effectiveness of future interprofessional case-based learning center on addressing the identified weaknesses, and establishing a research design that enables a comparison of pre- and post-seminar data, and the effectiveness of the IPE experience compared to profession-specific experiences.

Nurses' bodywork: is there a body of work?

PubMed

Shakespeare, Pam

2003-03-01

The work that many nurses do involves the use of their own body as one of the tools of their occupation. Being a nurse, in many cases, means controlled, purposeful use of her or his own body oriented to the patient. This paper discusses some of the ways in which nurses' bodies and the work that those bodies do are represented in professional and academic research accounts and made relevant in literature. Using instances of bodies and bodily activity mentioned in a variety of literature, the paper discusses three categories of accounts of nursing bodywork: those which are problematised and where the nurse's body is seen as a topic for investigation, and those which are unproblematised either explicitly discussing bodily activity (for example, touch) or implicitly dealing with bodywork (for example, taking blood pressure). Four ways in which nurses' bodies are made relevant in accounts are proposed: relational, corporate, instrumental and human. The paper discusses the prominence (or not) nurses' bodies are given in professional and academic accounts, as a contribution to preliminary work of generating a topic for investigation and concludes with some suggestions as to how this investigative project might be taken forward, focusing primarily on an examination of methodic practices, or how bodywork is brought off and executed as a skilled but taken-for-granted activity.

Augmenting Parametric Optimal Ascent Trajectory Modeling with Graph Theory

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Dees, Patrick D.; Zwack, Matthew R.; Edwards, Stephen; Steffens, Michael

2016-01-01

It has been well documented that decisions made in the early stages of Conceptual and Pre-Conceptual design commit up to 80% of total Life-Cycle Cost (LCC) while engineers know the least about the product they are designing [1]. Once within Preliminary and Detailed design however, making changes to the design becomes far more difficult to enact in both cost and schedule. Primarily this has been due to a lack of detailed data usually uncovered later during the Preliminary and Detailed design phases. In our current budget-constrained environment, making decisions within Conceptual and Pre-Conceptual design which minimize LCC while meeting requirements is paramount to a program's success. Within the arena of launch vehicle design, optimizing the ascent trajectory is critical for minimizing the costs present within such concerns as propellant, aerodynamic, aeroheating, and acceleration loads while meeting requirements such as payload delivered to a desired orbit. In order to optimize the vehicle design its constraints and requirements must be known, however as the design cycle proceeds it is all but inevitable that the conditions will change. Upon that change, the previously optimized trajectory may no longer be optimal, or meet design requirements. The current paradigm for adjusting to these updates is generating point solutions for every change in the design's requirements [2]. This can be a tedious, time-consuming task as changes in virtually any piece of a launch vehicle's design can have a disproportionately large effect on the ascent trajectory, as the solution space of the trajectory optimization problem is both non-linear and multimodal [3]. In addition, an industry standard tool, Program to Optimize Simulated Trajectories (POST), requires an expert analyst to produce simulated trajectories that are feasible and optimal [4]. In a previous publication the authors presented a method for combatting these challenges [5]. In order to bring more detailed information into Conceptual and Pre-Conceptual design, knowledge of the effects originating from changes to the vehicle must be calculated. In order to do this, a model capable of quantitatively describing any vehicle within the entire design space under consideration must be constructed. This model must be based upon analysis of acceptable fidelity, which in this work comes from POST. Design space interrogation can be achieved with surrogate modeling, a parametric, polynomial equation representing a tool. A surrogate model must be informed by data from the tool with enough points to represent the solution space for the chosen number of variables with an acceptable level of error. Therefore, Design Of Experiments (DOE) is used to select points within the design space to maximize information gained on the design space while minimizing number of data points required. To represent a design space with a non-trivial number of variable parameters the number of points required still represent an amount of work which would take an inordinate amount of time via the current paradigm of manual analysis, and so an automated method was developed. The best practices of expert trajectory analysts working within NASA Marshall's Advanced Concepts Office (ACO) were implemented within a tool called multiPOST. These practices include how to use the output data from a previous run of POST to inform the next, determining whether a trajectory solution is feasible from a real-world perspective, and how to handle program execution errors. The tool was then augmented with multiprocessing capability to enable analysis on multiple trajectories simultaneously, allowing throughput to scale with available computational resources. In this update to the previous work the authors discuss issues with the method and solutions.

A pilot feasibility study of virtual patient simulation to enhance social work students' brief mental health assessment skills.

PubMed

Washburn, Micki; Bordnick, Patrick; Rizzo, Albert Skip

2016-10-01

This study presents preliminary feasibility and acceptability data on the use of virtual patient (VP) simulations to develop brief assessment skills within an interdisciplinary care setting. Results support the acceptability of technology-enhanced simulations and offer preliminary evidence for an association between engagement in VP practice simulations and improvements in diagnostic accuracy and clinical interviewing skills. Recommendations and next steps for research on technology-enhanced simulations within social work are discussed.

An Investigation of the Flow Physics of Acoustic Liners by Direct Numerical Simulation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Watson, Willie R. (Technical Monitor); Tam, Christopher

2004-01-01

This report concentrates on reporting the effort and status of work done on three dimensional (3-D) simulation of a multi-hole resonator in an impedance tube. This work is coordinated with a parallel experimental effort to be carried out at the NASA Langley Research Center. The outline of this report is as follows : 1. Preliminary consideration. 2. Computation model. 3. Mesh design and parallel computing. 4. Visualization. 5. Status of computer code development. 1. Preliminary Consideration.

The evolution of neuroArm.

PubMed

Sutherland, Garnette R; Wolfsberger, Stefan; Lama, Sanju; Zarei-nia, Kourosh

2013-01-01

Intraoperative imaging disrupts the rhythm of surgery despite providing an excellent opportunity for surgical monitoring and assessment. To allow surgery within real-time images, neuroArm, a teleoperated surgical robotic system, was conceptualized. The objective was to design and manufacture a magnetic resonance-compatible robot with a human-machine interface that could reproduce some of the sight, sound, and touch of surgery at a remote workstation. University of Calgary researchers worked with MacDonald, Dettwiler and Associates engineers to produce a requirements document, preliminary design review, and critical design review, followed by the manufacture, preclinical testing, and clinical integration of neuroArm. During the preliminary design review, the scope of the neuroArm project changed to performing microsurgery outside the magnet and stereotaxy inside the bore. neuroArm was successfully manufactured and installed in an intraoperative magnetic resonance imaging operating room. neuroArm was clinically integrated into 35 cases in a graded fashion. As a result of this experience, neuroArm II is in development, and advances in technology will allow microsurgery within the bore of the magnet. neuroArm represents a successful interdisciplinary collaboration. It has positive implications for the future of robotic technology in neurosurgery in that the precision and accuracy of robots will continue to augment human capability.

Thermal Management Tools for Propulsion System Trade Studies and Analysis

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

McCarthy, Kevin; Hodge, Ernie

2011-01-01

Energy-related subsystems in modern aircraft are more tightly coupled with less design margin. These subsystems include thermal management subsystems, vehicle electric power generation and distribution, aircraft engines, and flight control. Tighter coupling, lower design margins, and higher system complexity all make preliminary trade studies difficult. A suite of thermal management analysis tools has been developed to facilitate trade studies during preliminary design of air-vehicle propulsion systems. Simulink blocksets (from MathWorks) for developing quasi-steady-state and transient system models of aircraft thermal management systems and related energy systems have been developed. These blocksets extend the Simulink modeling environment in the thermal sciences and aircraft systems disciplines. The blocksets include blocks for modeling aircraft system heat loads, heat exchangers, pumps, reservoirs, fuel tanks, and other components at varying levels of model fidelity. The blocksets have been applied in a first-principles, physics-based modeling and simulation architecture for rapid prototyping of aircraft thermal management and related systems. They have been applied in representative modern aircraft thermal management system studies. The modeling and simulation architecture has also been used to conduct trade studies in a vehicle level model that incorporates coupling effects among the aircraft mission, engine cycle, fuel, and multi-phase heat-transfer materials.

Preliminary test results of electrical charged particle generator for application to fog dispersal

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Frost, W.

1982-01-01

A charged particle generator for use in fog dispersal applications was built and preliminary tests were carried out. The parameter used as a measure of performance was the current measured with a needle probe positioned in the charged jet connected to ground through an ammeter. The needle was movable and allowed the current profile throughout the jet to be determined. The measured current is referred to as the current output. The major independent parameters were liquid water injection rate, plenum pressure, and corona voltage. Optimum current output was achieved at the approximate pressure of 30 psig, corona voltage of 5600 volts, and liquid water injection rate of 6 cc/min. The results of the test with the prototype charged particle generator clearly demonstrate that a current on the order of 20 microamperes can be routinely achieved with the system. This measurement of current does not necessarily represent the total issuing from the nozzle current which is expected to be larger. From these results, confidence was established that a charged particle generator which will operate continuously and consistently can be designed, constructed, and operated. Further work is required, however, to better understand the physical mechanisms involved and to optimize the system for fog dispersal application.

Preliminary competencies for comparative effectiveness research.

PubMed

Segal, Jodi B; Kapoor, Wishwa; Carey, Timothy; Mitchell, Pamela H; Murray, Michael D; Saag, Kenneth G; Schumock, Glen; Jonas, Daniel; Steinman, Michael; Filart, Rosemarie; Weinberger, Morris; Selker, Harry

2012-12-01

The Clinical and Translational Science Award (CTSA) Workgroup for Comparative Effectiveness Research (CER) Education, Training, and Workforce Development identified a need to delineate the competencies that practitioners and users of CER for patient-centered outcomes research, should acquire. With input from CTSA representatives and collaborators, we began by describing the workforce. We recognize the workforce that conducts CER and the end users who use CER to improve the health of individuals and communities. We generated a preliminary set of competencies and solicited feedback from the CER representatives at each member site of the CTSA consortium. We distinguished applied competencies (i.e., skills needed by individuals who conduct CER) from foundational competencies that are needed by the entire CER workforce, including end users of CER. Key competency categories of relevance to both practitioners and users of CER were: (1) asking relevant research questions; (2) recognizing or designing ideal CER studies; (3) executing or using CER studies; (4) using appropriate statistical analyses for CER; and (5) communicating and disseminating CER study results to improve health. Although CER is particularly broad concept, we anticipate that these preliminary, relatively generic competencies will be used in tailoring curricula to individual learners from a variety of programmatic perspectives. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

A unified approach for composite cost reporting and prediction in the ACT program

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Freeman, W. Tom; Vosteen, Louis F.; Siddiqi, Shahid

1991-01-01

The Structures Technology Program Office (STPO) at NASA Langley Research Center has held two workshops with representatives from the commercial airframe companies to establish a plan for development of a standard cost reporting format and a cost prediction tool for conceptual and preliminary designers. This paper reviews the findings of the workshop representatives with a plan for implementation of their recommendations. The recommendations of the cost tracking and reporting committee will be implemented by reinstituting the collection of composite part fabrication data in a format similar to the DoD/NASA Structural Composites Fabrication Guide. The process of data collection will be automated by taking advantage of current technology with user friendly computer interfaces and electronic data transmission. Development of a conceptual and preliminary designers' cost prediction model will be initiated. The model will provide a technically sound method for evaluating the relative cost of different composite structural designs, fabrication processes, and assembly methods that can be compared to equivalent metallic parts or assemblies. The feasibility of developing cost prediction software in a modular form for interfacing with state of the art preliminary design tools and computer aided design (CAD) programs is assessed.

[An experimental model for assessing the risk factors for work-related stress in four Italian universities].

PubMed

Miscetti, G; Barberini, L; Chiocchini, D; Cirimbilli, A; Pippi, R; Pampanella, L; Caserta, G; Gargarella, L

2011-01-01

This study, a collaborative effort among the Local Health Authority 2 of Perugia, Italy, the National Coordination of Worker's Safety Representatives for University and Research Institutions and the National Coordination for Protection and Prevention Services for Universities and Research Institutions, describes the results of a method used to evaluate work-related stress. Personnel from four Italian universities, which we call University I, II, III and IV geographically distributed in nord (1), center (2) and south (1) of Italy, responded to a questionnaire regarding risk evaluation of work-related stress in response to the Italian Law 81/2008. The methodology includes a preliminary analysis of the physical/technological and organizational/relational aspects of the company in order to determine a risk factor of work-related stress. This is followed by an evaluation by agencies competent in the areas of prevention and protection, (Administrative personnel of the company, Medical support persons, heads of the Prevention and Protection Service, employee representatives, and others) that apply a specific algorithm and by the employees through the completion of a questionnaire. The employees, mostly men, of the various universities, completed 510 questionnaires. Based on the results of the questionnaires and on a comparison between the expectations of the administration and the employees, the preventative measures that need to be adopted were identified. The results of this study show that there is not complete agreement between the administration and the employees regarding the work-related expectations. This difference in viewpoints could be a source of work-related stress. Some aspects of the study were shown to be of common concern in the various universities, while for other aspects, there were significantly different perceptions between male and female employees. An immediate response is needed with respect to some aspects in the work context and to plan further investigations where the results are not clear. The method used provides an adequate response to the legislative requirements and labor principles, in evaluating the risk of work related stress. In addition the method allows employees to contribute directly to the evaluation process.

Particle Engulfment and Pushing by Solidifying Interfaces (PEPSI)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stefanescu, Doru Michael; Curreri, Peter A.; Juretsko, F.; Pang, H.; Phalnikar, R.

1993-01-01

The preliminary definition phase included the following actions: producing a science requiring document (draft), producing a science requirements document (preliminary), updating the flight program proposal, project review at NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, and research work as defined in the statement of work. The first three items of this plan have been delivered by the University of Alabama to NASA according to schedule. A project review meeting was held at MSFC on June 29, 1993. Consequently, this part of the report will address the results of the research work performed in the Solidification Laboratory at the University of Alabama during the first six months of the project.

Preliminary concepts for a solar electric orbit raising experiment

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Cohen, R.B.; Penn, J.P.; Janson, S.W.

1989-01-01

Some preliminary concepts for a solar electric orbit raising demonstration that will show technological readiness for the development of operational Electric Orbital Transfer Vehicles (EOTVs) are outlined. These ideas could serve as a template for the proposed Electric Insertion Transfer Experiment (ELITE). At this moment, ELITE is not a funded program. Concepts are presented for a solar electric orbit raising demonstration, for ELITE, and for the path from the proposed ELITE to a future operational EOTV. A brief discussion of the benefits to be derived from the use of EOTVs, the conceptual organization of the ELITE team, the key technologiesmore » for EOTV and ELITE, and some preliminary options for the orbit raising vehicle and representative missions are provided.« less

Utility of Social Modeling for Proliferation Assessment - Preliminary Assessment

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Coles, Garill A.; Gastelum, Zoe N.; Brothers, Alan J.

2009-06-01

This Preliminary Assessment draft report will present the results of a literature search and preliminary assessment of the body of research, analysis methods, models and data deemed to be relevant to the Utility of Social Modeling for Proliferation Assessment research. This report will provide: 1) a description of the problem space and the kinds of information pertinent to the problem space, 2) a discussion of key relevant or representative literature, 3) a discussion of models and modeling approaches judged to be potentially useful to the research, and 4) the next steps of this research that will be pursued based onmore » this preliminary assessment. This draft report represents a technical deliverable for the NA-22 Simulations, Algorithms, and Modeling (SAM) program. Specifically this draft report is the Task 1 deliverable for project PL09-UtilSocial-PD06, Utility of Social Modeling for Proliferation Assessment. This project investigates non-traditional use of social and cultural information to improve nuclear proliferation assessment, including nonproliferation assessment, proliferation resistance assessments, safeguards assessments and other related studies. These assessments often use and create technical information about the State’s posture towards proliferation, the vulnerability of a nuclear energy system to an undesired event, and the effectiveness of safeguards. This project will find and fuse social and technical information by explicitly considering the role of cultural, social and behavioral factors relevant to proliferation. The aim of this research is to describe and demonstrate if and how social science modeling has utility in proliferation assessment.« less

Cognitive Task Analysis of Business Jet Pilots' Weather Flying Behaviors: Preliminary Results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Latorella, Kara; Pliske, Rebecca; Hutton, Robert; Chrenka, Jason

2001-01-01

This report presents preliminary findings from a cognitive task analysis (CTA) of business aviation piloting. Results describe challenging weather-related aviation decisions and the information and cues used to support these decisions. Further, these results demonstrate the role of expertise in business aviation decision-making in weather flying, and how weather information is acquired and assessed for reliability. The challenging weather scenarios and novice errors identified in the results provide the basis for experimental scenarios and dependent measures to be used in future flight simulation evaluations of candidate aviation weather information systems. Finally, we analyzed these preliminary results to recommend design and training interventions to improve business aviation decision-making with weather information. The primary objective of this report is to present these preliminary findings and to document the extended CTA methodology used to elicit and represent expert business aviator decision-making with weather information. These preliminary findings will be augmented with results from additional subjects using this methodology. A summary of the complete results, absent the detailed treatment of methodology provided in this report, will be documented in a separate publication.

Semantic Context Detection Using Audio Event Fusion

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chu, Wei-Ta; Cheng, Wen-Huang; Wu, Ja-Ling

2006-12-01

Semantic-level content analysis is a crucial issue in achieving efficient content retrieval and management. We propose a hierarchical approach that models audio events over a time series in order to accomplish semantic context detection. Two levels of modeling, audio event and semantic context modeling, are devised to bridge the gap between physical audio features and semantic concepts. In this work, hidden Markov models (HMMs) are used to model four representative audio events, that is, gunshot, explosion, engine, and car braking, in action movies. At the semantic context level, generative (ergodic hidden Markov model) and discriminative (support vector machine (SVM)) approaches are investigated to fuse the characteristics and correlations among audio events, which provide cues for detecting gunplay and car-chasing scenes. The experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approaches and provide a preliminary framework for information mining by using audio characteristics.

The financial implications of employer-sponsored health insurance.

PubMed

Natvig, Deborah; Tolbert, Sam

2005-01-01

The purpose of this study was to analyze utilization and costs of employer-sponsored health insurance in select businesses in a rural community in South Carolina. The study was conducted under the auspices of the HR Roundtable of the local Chamber of Commerce, composed of human resources directors from the larger area businesses. Twenty one companies were invited to participate and eight submitted information that was sufficiently complete to analyze. The participating companies employed 6,265 people, of which 5,712 were insured. The data represents a total of 13,057 covered lives. Although the findings cannot be generalized to a broader population, the descriptive data was sufficient to generate a discussion about health care issues for this community and for the group to make preliminary recommendations for collaborative work that may affect the costs of health care coverage for this community.

Laser milling of martensitic stainless steels using spiral trajectories

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Romoli, L.; Tantussi, F.; Fuso, F.

2017-04-01

A laser beam with sub-picosecond pulse duration was driven in spiral trajectories to perform micro-milling of martensitic stainless steel. The geometry of the machined micro-grooves channels was investigated by a specifically conceived Scanning Probe Microscopy instrument and linked to laser parameters by using an experimental approach combining the beam energy distribution profile and the absorption phenomena in the material. Preliminary analysis shows that, despite the numerous parameters involved in the process, layer removal obtained by spiral trajectories, varying the radial overlap, allows for a controllable depth of cut combined to a flattening effect of surface roughness. Combining the developed machining strategy to a feed motion of the work stage, could represent a method to obtain three-dimensional structures with a resolution of few microns, with an areal roughness Sa below 100 nm.

Assessing the representativeness of wind data for wind turbine site evaluation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Renne, D. S.; Corotis, R. B.

1982-01-01

Once potential wind turbine sites (either for single installations or clusters) are identified through siting procedures, actual evaluation of the sites must commence. This evaluation is needed to obtain estimates of wind turbine performance and to identify hazards to the machine from the turbulence component of the atmosphere. These estimates allow for more detailed project planning and for preliminary financing arrangements to be secured. The site evaluation process can occur in two stages: (1) utilizing existing nearby data, and (2) establishing and monitoring an onsite measurement program. Since step (2) requires a period of at least 1 yr or more from the time a potential site has been identified, step (1) is often an essential stage in the preliminary evaluation process. Both the methods that have been developed and the unknowns that still exist in assessing the representativeness of available data to a nearby wind turbine site are discussed. How the assessment of the representativeness of available data can be used to develop a more effective onsite meteorological measurement program is also discussed.

Development and Preliminary Evaluation of a Multivariate Index Assay for Ovarian Cancer

PubMed Central

Chen, Tzong-Hao; Bergstrom, Katharine J.; Zhao, Jinghua; Seshaiah, Partha; Yip, Ping; Mansfield, Brian C.

2009-01-01

Background Most women with a clinical presentation consistent with ovarian cancer have benign conditions. Therefore methods to distinguish women with ovarian cancer from those with benign conditions would be beneficial. We describe the development and preliminary evaluation of a serum-based multivariate assay for ovarian cancer. This hypothesis-driven study examined whether an informative pattern could be detected in stage I disease that persists through later stages. Methodology/Principal Findings Sera, collected under uniform protocols from multiple institutions, representing 176 cases and 187 controls from women presenting for surgery were examined using high-throughput, multiplexed immunoassays. All stages and common subtypes of epithelial ovarian cancer, and the most common benign ovarian conditions were represented. A panel of 104 antigens, 44 autoimmune and 56 infectious disease markers were assayed and informative combinations identified. Using a training set of 91 stage I data sets, representing 61 individual samples, and an equivalent number of controls, an 11-analyte profile, composed of CA-125, CA 19-9, EGF-R, C-reactive protein, myoglobin, apolipoprotein A1, apolipoprotein CIII, MIP-1α, IL-6, IL-18 and tenascin C was identified and appears informative for all stages and common subtypes of ovarian cancer. Using a testing set of 245 samples, approximately twice the size of the model building set, the classifier had 91.3% sensitivity and 88.5% specificity. While these preliminary results are promising, further refinement and extensive validation of the classifier in a clinical trial is necessary to determine if the test has clinical value. Conclusions/Significance We describe a blood-based assay using 11 analytes that can distinguish women with ovarian cancer from those with benign conditions. Preliminary evaluation of the classifier suggests it has the potential to offer approximately 90% sensitivity and 90% specificity. While promising, the performance needs to be assessed in a blinded clinical validation study. PMID:19240799

RELEASE OF DRIED RADIOACTIVE WASTE MATERIALS TECHNICAL BASIS DOCUMENT

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

KOZLOWSKI, S.D.

2007-05-30

This technical basis document was developed to support RPP-23429, Preliminary Documented Safety Analysis for the Demonstration Bulk Vitrification System (PDSA) and RPP-23479, Preliminary Documented Safety Analysis for the Contact-Handled Transuranic Mixed (CH-TRUM) Waste Facility. The main document describes the risk binning process and the technical basis for assigning risk bins to the representative accidents involving the release of dried radioactive waste materials from the Demonstration Bulk Vitrification System (DBVS) and to the associated represented hazardous conditions. Appendices D through F provide the technical basis for assigning risk bins to the representative dried waste release accident and associated represented hazardous conditionsmore » for the Contact-Handled Transuranic Mixed (CH-TRUM) Waste Packaging Unit (WPU). The risk binning process uses an evaluation of the frequency and consequence of a given representative accident or represented hazardous condition to determine the need for safety structures, systems, and components (SSC) and technical safety requirement (TSR)-level controls. A representative accident or a represented hazardous condition is assigned to a risk bin based on the potential radiological and toxicological consequences to the public and the collocated worker. Note that the risk binning process is not applied to facility workers because credible hazardous conditions with the potential for significant facility worker consequences are considered for safety-significant SSCs and/or TSR-level controls regardless of their estimated frequency. The controls for protection of the facility workers are described in RPP-23429 and RPP-23479. Determination of the need for safety-class SSCs was performed in accordance with DOE-STD-3009-94, Preparation Guide for US. Department of Energy Nonreactor Nuclear Facility Documented Safety Analyses, as described below.« less

System Management in UK Libraries: Some Preliminary Findings of a Survey.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Muirhead, Graeme A.

1992-01-01

A cross-section of libraries in the United Kingdom was surveyed to investigate the prevalence of systems librarians and their education, work experience, duties, and professional activities. Preliminary findings of one section of the questionnaire indicate that systems librarians are generally associated with larger institutions that have large…

18 CFR 4.33 - Limitations on submitting applications.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-04-01

..., EXEMPTIONS, AND DETERMINATION OF PROJECT COSTS Application for Preliminary Permit, License or Exemption... preliminary permit for project works that: (1) Would develop, conserve, and utilize, in whole or in part, the same water resources that would be developed, conserved, and utilized by a project for which there is...

18 CFR 4.33 - Limitations on submitting applications.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-04-01

..., EXEMPTIONS, AND DETERMINATION OF PROJECT COSTS Application for Preliminary Permit, License or Exemption... preliminary permit for project works that: (1) Would develop, conserve, and utilize, in whole or in part, the same water resources that would be developed, conserved, and utilized by a project for which there is...

18 CFR 4.33 - Limitations on submitting applications.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

..., EXEMPTIONS, AND DETERMINATION OF PROJECT COSTS Application for Preliminary Permit, License or Exemption... preliminary permit for project works that: (1) Would develop, conserve, and utilize, in whole or in part, the same water resources that would be developed, conserved, and utilized by a project for which there is...

18 CFR 4.33 - Limitations on submitting applications.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-04-01

..., EXEMPTIONS, AND DETERMINATION OF PROJECT COSTS Application for Preliminary Permit, License or Exemption... preliminary permit for project works that: (1) Would develop, conserve, and utilize, in whole or in part, the same water resources that would be developed, conserved, and utilized by a project for which there is...

18 CFR 4.33 - Limitations on submitting applications.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-04-01

..., EXEMPTIONS, AND DETERMINATION OF PROJECT COSTS Application for Preliminary Permit, License or Exemption... preliminary permit for project works that: (1) Would develop, conserve, and utilize, in whole or in part, the same water resources that would be developed, conserved, and utilized by a project for which there is...

Preliminary Validation of the Work-Family Integration-Blurring Scale

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Desrochers, Stephan; Hilton, Jeanne M.; Larwood, Laurie

2005-01-01

Several studies of telecommuting and working at home have alluded to the blurring line between work and family that can result from such highly integrated work-family arrangements. However, little is known about working parents' perceptions of the integration and blurring of their work and family roles. In this study, the authors created and…

Health maintenance facility system effectiveness testing

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lloyd, Charles W.; Gosbee, John; Bueker, Richard; Kupra, Debra; Ruta, Mary

1993-01-01

The Medical Simulations Working Group conducted a series of medical simulations to evaluate the proposed Health Maintenance Facility (HMF) Preliminary Design Review (PDR) configuration. The goal of these simulations was to test the system effectiveness of the HMF PDR configurations. The objectives of the medical simulations are to (1) ensure fulfillment of requirements with this HMF design, (2) demonstrate the conformance of the system to human engineering design criteria, and (3) determine whether undesirable design or procedural features were introduced into the design. The simulations consisted of performing 6 different medical scenarios with the HMF mockup in the KRUG laboratory. The scenarios included representative medical procedures and used a broad spectrum of HMF equipment and supplies. Scripts were written and simulations performed by medical simulations working group members under observation from others. Data were collected by means of questionnaires, debriefings, and videotapes. Results were extracted and listed in the individual reports. Specific issues and recommendations from each simulation were compiled into the individual reports. General issues regarding the PDR design of the HMF are outlined in the summary report.

Cost and resource implications of clinical supervision in nursing: an Australian perspective.

PubMed

White, Edward; Winstanley, Julie

2006-11-01

The aim of this article was to explore the resource and management issues in introducing and maintaining a clinical supervision programme for nurses. A number of federal, state and non-governmental agency reports have recently indicted the quality of present-day mental health service provision in Australia. Clinical supervision in nursing has been widely embraced in many parts of the developed world, as a positive contribution to the clinical governance agenda, but remains largely underdeveloped in Australia. Using data derived from several empirical clinical supervision research studies conducted in mental health nursing settings, preliminary financial modelling has provided new information for Nurse Managers, about the material implications of implementing clinical supervision. It is suggested that, on average, the cost of giving peer group one-to-one supervision to any nurse represented about 1% of an annual salary. When interpreted as a vanishingly small cap on clinical nursing practice necessary to reap demonstrable benefits, it behoves Nurse Managers to comprehend clinical supervision as bona fide nursing work, not an activity which is separate from nursing work.

Assessment of Dioxin-Like Soil Contamination in Mexico by Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay

PubMed Central

Nichkova, M.; Yáñez, L.; Costilla-Salazar, R.; Torres-Dosal, A.; Gee, S. J.; Hammock, B. D.; Juárez-Santacruz, L.; Díaz-Barriga, F.

2011-01-01

In this work, we describe the results of a preliminary soil assessment program for the detection of dioxins at different sites in Mexico performed by immunoassay. We studied five different sectors considered relevant sources of dioxins: Anaversa and Tekchem industrial areas where organochlorine pesticides were manufactured and released by accidental explosions, secondary smelters, brick kilns, and rural dwellings. In the context of the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) guidelines, only the brick kilns sites can be considered as low-risk areas. The dioxin concentrations detected in the vicinity of the Anaversa and Tekchem chemical plants and secondary smelters exceed the screening level of 0.05 ppb set by the ATSDR, and therefore further site-specific studies are needed. The dioxin levels found in all soot samples from indigenous dwellings where wood is used for indoor cooking were above the evaluation level. Considering that the studied areas are representative examples of dioxin sources in less developed countries, our work demonstrates the useful application of dioxin immunoassays as a tool for dioxin screening for environmental assessment programs in developing countries. PMID:20091164

MELCOR/CONTAIN LMR Implementation Report. FY14 Progress

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Humphries, Larry L; Louie, David L.Y.

2014-10-01

This report describes the preliminary implementation of the sodium thermophysical properties and the design documentation for the sodium models of CONTAIN-LMR to be implemented into MELCOR 2.1. In the past year, the implementation included two separate sodium properties from two different sources. The first source is based on the previous work done by Idaho National Laboratory by modifying MELCOR to include liquid lithium equation of state as a working fluid to model the nuclear fusion safety research. To minimize the impact to MELCOR, the implementation of the fusion safety database (FSD) was done by utilizing the detection of the datamore » input file as a way to invoking the FSD. The FSD methodology has been adapted currently for this work, but it may subject modification as the project continues. The second source uses properties generated for the SIMMER code. Preliminary testing and results from this implementation of sodium properties are given. In this year, the design document for the CONTAIN-LMR sodium models, such as the two condensable option, sodium spray fire, and sodium pool fire is being developed. This design document is intended to serve as a guide for the MELCOR implementation. In addition, CONTAIN-LMR code used was based on the earlier version of CONTAIN code. Many physical models that were developed since this early version of CONTAIN may not be captured by the code. Although CONTAIN 2, which represents the latest development of CONTAIN, contains some sodium specific models, which are not complete, the utilizing CONTAIN 2 with all sodium models implemented from CONTAIN-LMR as a comparison code for MELCOR should be done. This implementation should be completed in early next year, while sodium models from CONTAIN-LMR are being integrated into MELCOR. For testing, CONTAIN decks have been developed for verification and validation use.« less

The MELiSSA GreenMOSS Study: Preliminary Design Considerations for a Greenhouse Module on the Lunar Surface

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lobascio, Cesare; Paille, Christel; Lamantea, Matteo Maria; Boscheri, Giorgio; Rossetti, Vittorio

Extended human presence on an extraterrestrial planetary surface will be made possible by the development of life support systems affordable in the long term. The key elements to support the goal will be the maximization of closure of air and water cycles, as well as the development of cost-effective and reliable hardware, including a careful strategic effort toward reduction of spare parts and consumables. Regenerative life support systems likely represent the final step toward long term sustainability of a space crew, allowing in situ food production and regeneration of organic waste. Referring to the MELiSSA loop, a key element for food production is the Higher Plant Compartment. The paper focuses on the preliminary design of a Greenhouse at the lunar South Pole, as performed within the “Greenhouse Module for Space System” (GreenMOSS) study, under a contract from the European Space Agency. The greenhouse is in support to a relatively small crew for provision of an energetic food complement. Resources necessary for the greenhouse such as water, carbon dioxide and nitrogen are assumed available, as required. The relevant mass and energy balances for incoming resources should be part of future studies, and should help integrate this element with the interfacing MELISSA compartments. Net oxygen production and harvested crop biomass from the greenhouse system will be quantified. This work presents the results of the two major trade-offs performed as part of this study: artificial vs natural illumination and monocrop vs multicrop solutions. Comparisons among possible design solutions were driven by the ALiSSE metric as far as practicable within this preliminary stage, considering mass and power parameters. Finally, the paper presents the mission duration threshold for determining the convenience of the designed solution with respect to other resources provision strategies

Paleoceanographic history of the Lower Bengal Fan during the last glacial cycle - IODP Expedition 354

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dekens, P. S.; Weber, M. E.; Lantzsch, H.; Das, S. K.; Williams, T.; Adhikari, R. R.; Jia, G.; Fox, L. R.; Ge, J.; Manoj, M. C.; Savian, J. F.; Reilly, B. T.; Selkin, P. A.; Meynadier, L.; Spiess, V.; France-Lanord, C.; Sharma, B.

2015-12-01

IODP Expedition 354 drilled a ~320 km long transect of seven sites on the Lower Bengal Fan at 8o N in the Northern Indian Ocean. The sediments cores recovered record a complex relationship between turbiditic and hemipelagic environments. This variability offers a unique opportunity to link our understanding of tectonic and terrestrial processes with climate and oceanography. With the exception the westernmost Site U1454, all sites show a several meter thick, hemipelagic top layer, usually representing Late Quaternary sediment. We present physical, geochemical and stable isotopic properties of this interval to establish a time frame and assess the paleoceanographic development of the region during the last glacial cycle. We sampled Site U1452C-1H continuously for the uppermost 480 cm of hemipelagic sediment in 2-cm increments. Preliminary results indicate the Toba Ash 1 (0.74 ka) is a distinct time marker in all physical properties. Furthermore, wet-bulk density as well as color reflectance b* (the red-green component) and L* (the lightness) show a dominant precession cyclicity. Hence, we are able to provide an insolation-tuned chronology for the last 200 ka (MIS1 - 7) as a preliminary age model. These records agree well with d18O records retrieved from Chinese caves. We will present a preliminary paleoceanographic proxy data to reconstruct sea-surface temperature (SST), sea-surface salinity (SSS), ice volume, marine biological productivity, nutrient supply, and deep-water circulation. These oceanographic and climate conditions are linked to changes in monsoonal strength and terrestrial input using sedimentary proxies to reconstruct chemical weathering and sediment sources and transport time. This work addresses one of the primary cruise objectives - linking monsoon variability, regional and global climate, and Bay of Bengal sediment deposition.

Geophysical techniques in the historical center of Venice (Italy): preliminary results from HVSR and multichannel analysis of surface waves

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Trevisani, Sebastiano; Rocca, Michele; Boaga, Jacopo

2014-05-01

This presentation aims to outline the preliminary findings related to an extensive seismic survey conducted in the historical center of Venice, Italy. The survey was conducted via noninvasive and low-cost seismic techniques based on surface waves analysis and microtremor methods, mainly using single station horizontal to vertical spectral ratio techninques (HVSR) and multichannel analysis of surface waves in passive (ReMI) and active (MASW) configurations. The importance and the fragility of the cultural heritage of Venice, coupled with its peculiar geological and geotechnical characteristics, stress the importance of a good knowledge of its geological architecture and seismic characteristics as an opportunity to improve restoration and conservation planning. Even if Venice is located in a relatively low seismic hazard zone, a local characterization of soil resonance frequencies and surficial shear waves velocities could improve the planning of engineering interventions, furnishing important information on possible local effects related to seismic amplification and possible coupling within buildings and soil resonance frequencies. In the specific we collected more than 50 HVSR single station noise measurements and several passive and active multichannel analysis of surface waves located in the historical center. In this work we report the characteristics of the conducted seismic surveys (instrumentation, sampling geometry, etc.) and the preliminary findings of our analysis. Moreover, we discuss briefly the practical issues, mainly of logistic nature, of conducting this kind of surveys in a peculiar and crowed historical center as represented by Venice urban contest. Acknowledgments Instrumentation acquired in relation to the project co-financed by Regione Veneto, POR-CRO, FESR, 2007-2013, action 1.1.1. "Supporto ad attività di ricerca, processi e reti di innovazione e alla creazione di imprese in settori a elevato contenuto tecnologico"

Informal and formal mental health: preliminary qualitative findings

PubMed Central

O'Neill, Linda; George, Serena; Koehn, Corinne; Shepard, Blythe

2013-01-01

Background Northern-based research on mental health support, no matter the specific profession, helps to inform instruction of new practitioners and practitioners already working in rural or isolated conditions. Understanding the complexities of northern mental health support not only benefits clients and practitioners living in the North, but also helps prepare psychologists and counsellors preparing to work in other countries with large rural and isolated populations. The qualitative phase is part of a multi-year research study on informal and formal mental health support in northern Canada involving the use of qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis methods. Objective The main objective of the qualitative phase interviews was to document in-depth the situation of formal and informal helpers in providing mental health support in isolated northern communities in northern British Columbia, northern Alberta, Yukon and Northwest Territories (NWT). The intent of in-depth interviews was to collect descriptive information on the unique working conditions of northern helping practitioners for the development of a survey and subsequent community action plans for helping practitioner support. Design Twenty participants in northern BC, Yukon and NWT participated in narrative interviews. Consensual qualitative research (CQR) was used in the analysis completed by 7 researchers. The principal researcher and research associate then worked through all 7 analyses, defining common categories and themes, and using selections from each researcher in order to ensure that everyone's analysis was represented in the final consensual summary. Results The preliminary results include 7 main categories consisting of various themes. Defining elements of northern practice included the need for generalist knowledge and cultural sensitivity. The task of working with and negotiating membership in community was identified as essential for northern mental health support. The need for revised codes of ethics relevant to the reality of northern work was a major category, as was insight on how to best sustain northern practice. Conclusion Many of the practitioners who participated in this study have found ways to overcome the biggest challenges of northern practice, yet the limitations of small populations and lack of resources in small communities to adequately address mental health support were identified as existing. Empowering communities by building community capacity to educate, supervise and support formal and informal mental health workers may be the best approach to overcoming the lack of external resources. PMID:23977648

Informal and formal mental health: preliminary qualitative findings.

PubMed

O'Neill, Linda; George, Serena; Koehn, Corinne; Shepard, Blythe

2013-01-01

Northern-based research on mental health support, no matter the specific profession, helps to inform instruction of new practitioners and practitioners already working in rural or isolated conditions. Understanding the complexities of northern mental health support not only benefits clients and practitioners living in the North, but also helps prepare psychologists and counsellors preparing to work in other countries with large rural and isolated populations. The qualitative phase is part of a multi-year research study on informal and formal mental health support in northern Canada involving the use of qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis methods. The main objective of the qualitative phase interviews was to document in-depth the situation of formal and informal helpers in providing mental health support in isolated northern communities in northern British Columbia, northern Alberta, Yukon and Northwest Territories (NWT). The intent of in-depth interviews was to collect descriptive information on the unique working conditions of northern helping practitioners for the development of a survey and subsequent community action plans for helping practitioner support. Twenty participants in northern BC, Yukon and NWT participated in narrative interviews. Consensual qualitative research (CQR) was used in the analysis completed by 7 researchers. The principal researcher and research associate then worked through all 7 analyses, defining common categories and themes, and using selections from each researcher in order to ensure that everyone's analysis was represented in the final consensual summary. The preliminary results include 7 main categories consisting of various themes. Defining elements of northern practice included the need for generalist knowledge and cultural sensitivity. The task of working with and negotiating membership in community was identified as essential for northern mental health support. The need for revised codes of ethics relevant to the reality of northern work was a major category, as was insight on how to best sustain northern practice. Many of the practitioners who participated in this study have found ways to overcome the biggest challenges of northern practice, yet the limitations of small populations and lack of resources in small communities to adequately address mental health support were identified as existing. Empowering communities by building community capacity to educate, supervise and support formal and informal mental health workers may be the best approach to overcoming the lack of external resources.

Cognitive Task Analysis and Work-Centered Support System Recommendations for a Deployed Network Operations Support Center (NOSC-D)

DTIC Science & Technology

2001-08-01

This report presents the results of a preliminary Cognitive Task Analysis (CTA) of the deployed Network Operations Support Center (NOSC-D), and the...conducted Cognitive Task Analysis interviews with four (4) NOSC-D personnel. Because of the preliminary nature of the finding, the analysis is

A preliminary assessment of the true morels (Morchella) in Newfoundland and Labrador

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

A preliminary assessment of true morels (Morchella) from Newfoundland and Labrador (NL) was obtained by using DNA sequence data from portions of three genes to identify 20 collections from Newfoundland and one from a remote location in Labrador. To place this work in a broader context, data on 25 co...

C2 Link Security for UAS: Technical Literature Study and Preliminary Functional Requirements. Version 0.9 (Working Draft)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

2005-01-01

This document provides a study of the technical literature related to Command and Control (C2) link security for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) for operation in the National Airspace System (NAS). Included is a preliminary set of functional requirements for C2 link security.

A preliminary study of the effects of working memory training on brain function in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

PubMed Central

Stevens, Michael C.; Gaynor, Alexandra; Bessette, Katie L.; Pearlson, Godfrey D.

2015-01-01

Working memory (WM) training improves WM ability in Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), but its efficacy for non-cognitive ADHD impairments ADHD has been sharply debated. The purpose of this preliminary study was to characterize WM training-related changes in ADHD brain function and see if they were linked to clinical improvement. We examined 18 adolescents diagnosed with DSM-IV Combined-subtype ADHD before and after 25 sessions of WM training using a frequently employed approach (CogmedTM) using a nonverbal Sternberg WM fMRI task, neuropsychological tests, and participant- and parent-reports of ADHD symptom severity and associated functional impairment. Whole brain SPM8 analyses identified ADHD activation deficits compared to 18 non-ADHD control participants, then tested whether impaired ADHD frontoparietal brain activation would increase following WM training. Post hoc tests examined the relationships between neural changes and neurocognitive or clinical improvements. As predicted, WM training increased WM performance, ADHD clinical functioning, and WM-related ADHD brain activity in several frontal, parietal and temporal lobe regions. Increased left inferior frontal sulcus region activity was seen in all Encoding, Maintenance, and Retrieval Sternberg task phases. ADHD symptom severity improvements were most often positively correlated with activation gains in brain regions known to be engaged for WM-related executive processing; improvement of different symptom types had different neural correlates. The responsiveness of both amodal WM frontoparietal circuits and executive process-specific WM brain regions was altered by WM training. The latter might represent a promising, relatively unexplored treatment target for researchers seeking to optimize clinical response in ongoing ADHD WM training development efforts. PMID:26138580

Agricultural interventions for water saving and crop yield improvement, in a Mediterranean area - an experimental design

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Morianou, Giasemi; Kourgialas, Nektarios; Psarras, George; Koubouris, George; Arampatzis, George; Karatzas, George; Pavlidou, Elisavet

2017-04-01

This work is a part of LIFE+ AGROCLIMAWATER project and the aim is to improve the water efficiency, increase the adaptive capacity of tree corps and save water, in a Mediterranean area, under different climatic conditions and agricultural practices. The experimental design as well as preliminary results at farm and river basin scales are presented in this work. Specifically, ten (10) pilot farms, both organic and conventional ones have been selected in the sub-basin of Platanias in western Crete - Greece. These ten pilot farms were selected representing the most typical crops in Platanias area (olive trees and citrus trees), as well as the typical soil, landscape and agricultural practices differentiation for each crop (field slope, water availability, soil type, management regime). From the ten pilot farms, eight were olive farms and the rest two citrus. This proportion correspond adequacy to the presentence of olive and citrus crops in the extended area of Platanias prefecture. Each of the ten pilot farm has been divided in two parts, the first one will be used as a control part, while the other one as the demonstration part where the interventions will be applied. The action plans for each selected farm are based on the following groups of possible interventions: a) reduction of water evaporation losses from soil surface, b) reduction of transpiration water losses through winter pruning and summer pruning, c) reduction of deep percolation water and nutrient losses, d) reduction of surface runoff, e) measures in order to maximize the efficiency of irrigation and f) rationalization of fertilizers and agrochemicals utilized. Preliminary results indicate that water saving and crop yield can be significantly improved based on the above innervations both at farm and river basin scale.

Subjective Cognitive Decline in Older Adults: An Overview of Self-Report Measures Used Across 19 International Research Studies

PubMed Central

Rabin, Laura A.; Smart, Colette M.; Crane, Paul K.; Amariglio, Rebecca E.; Berman, Lorin M.; Boada, Mercè; Buckley, Rachel F.; Chételat, Gaël; Dubois, Bruno; Ellis, Kathryn A.; Gifford, Katherine A.; Jefferson, Angela L.; Jessen, Frank; Katz, Mindy J.; Lipton, Richard B.; Luck, Tobias; Maruff, Paul; Mielke, Michelle M.; Molinuevo, José Luis; Naeem, Farnia; Perrotin, Audrey; Petersen, Ronald C.; Rami, Lorena; Reisberg, Barry; Rentz, Dorene M.; Riedel-Heller, Steffi G.; Risacher, Shannon L.; Rodriguez, Octavio; Sachdev, Perminder S.; Saykin, Andrew J.; Slavin, Melissa J.; Snitz, Beth E.; Sperling, Reisa A.; Tandetnik, Caroline; van der Flier, Wiesje M.; Wagner, Michael; Wolfsgruber, Steffen; Sikkes, Sietske A.M.

2015-01-01

Research increasingly suggests that subjective cognitive decline (SCD) in older adults, in the absence of objective cognitive dysfunction or depression, may be a harbinger of non-normative cognitive decline and eventual progression to dementia. Little is known, however, about the key features of self-report measures currently used to assess SCD. The Subjective Cognitive Decline Initiative (SCD-I) Working Group is an international consortium established to develop a conceptual framework and research criteria for SCD (Jessen et al., 2014, Alzheimers Dement 10, 844–852). In the current study we systematically compared cognitive self-report items used by 19 SCD-I Working Group studies, representing 8 countries and 5 languages. We identified 34 self-report measures comprising 640 cognitive self-report items. There was little overlap among measures—approximately 75% of measures were used by only one study. Wide variation existed in response options and item content. Items pertaining to the memory domain predominated, accounting for about 60% of items surveyed, followed by executive function and attention, with 16% and 11% of the items, respectively. Items relating to memory for the names of people and the placement of common objects were represented on the greatest percentage of measures (56% each). Working group members reported that instrument selection decisions were often based on practical considerations beyond the study of SCD specifically, such as availability and brevity of measures. Results document the heterogeneity of approaches across studies to the emerging construct of SCD. We offer preliminary recommendations for instrument selection and future research directions including identifying items and measure formats associated with important clinical outcomes. PMID:26402085

Neuro-Cognitive Intervention for Working Memory: Preliminary Results and Future Directions.

PubMed

Bree, Kathleen D; Beljan, Paul

2016-01-01

Definitions of working memory identify it as a function of the executive function system in which an individual maintains two or more pieces of information in mind and uses that information simultaneously for some purpose. In academics, working memory is necessary for a variety of functions, including attending to the information one's teacher presents and then using that information simultaneously for problem solving. Research indicates difficulties with working memory are observed in children with mathematics learning disorder (MLD) and reading disorders (RD). To improve working memory and other executive function difficulties, and as an alternative to medication treatments for attention and executive function disorders, the Motor Cognition(2)® (MC(2)®)program was developed. Preliminary research on this program indicates statistically significant improvements in working memory, mathematics, and nonsense word decoding for reading. Further research on the MC(2)® program and its impact on working memory, as well as other areas of executive functioning, is warranted.

Recent work and results on sparrow project

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Harvey, Neal R

2010-12-23

This briefing describes recent work undertaken on the Sparrow Project and results of this work. It describes experiments comparing the use of Genie with 2 classes with 3 classes for the problem of ship delineation. It also describes some preliminary work in the area of the optimization of segmentation techniques.

23 CFR 646.216 - General procedures.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-04-01

... subject to the provisions of § 646.216(b) (2), preliminary engineering work on railroad-highway projects... contracts where such work is regularly performed for the railroad in its own work under such contracts at... wholly or partly affected by a highway project, the costs of work necessary to functionally restore such...

Highlights: Spring Council Meeting

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Council members present at the May 24, 1981, meeting were Keiiti Aki, Steven Burges (for Jim Wallis), Peter S. Eagleson, E. R. Engdahl, Charles E. Helsley, James R. Heirtzler, Carl Kisslinger, Leslie H. Meredith, Chris N. K. Mooers, Norman F. Ness, Marcia M. Neugebauer, James J. O'Brien, Richard Rapp, Carl Sagan, James C. Savage, Joseph V. Smith, Fred Spilhaus, Donald L. Turcotte, James A. Van Allen, J. Tuzo Wilson, and Jay Winston (for Elmar R. Reiter until his arrival at 6:50 P.M.). David Strangway, representing the Canadian Geophysical Union, and Peter Steinhauser, representing the European Geophysical Society, were special observers at the meeting. Council meetings are open, and a number of section secretaries, committee chairmen, journal editors, and other members attended. The following major actions were adopted by the Council:The experiment of publishing oceanography and lower-atmosphere papers in JGR Green issues alternate to those containing upper-atmosphere papers will be continued through 1982. From preliminary indications the experiment seems to be working, but a full year of data, including a renewal cycle, is needed to assess the success of the experiment. Final decision will be made prior to the 1983 dues notices.

Multi-Criterion Preliminary Design of a Tetrahedral Truss Platform

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wu, K. Chauncey

1995-01-01

An efficient method is presented for multi-criterion preliminary design and demonstrated for a tetrahedral truss platform. The present method requires minimal analysis effort and permits rapid estimation of optimized truss behavior for preliminary design. A 14-m-diameter, 3-ring truss platform represents a candidate reflector support structure for space-based science spacecraft. The truss members are divided into 9 groups by truss ring and position. Design variables are the cross-sectional area of all members in a group, and are either 1, 3 or 5 times the minimum member area. Non-structural mass represents the node and joint hardware used to assemble the truss structure. Taguchi methods are used to efficiently identify key points in the set of Pareto-optimal truss designs. Key points identified using Taguchi methods are the maximum frequency, minimum mass, and maximum frequency-to-mass ratio truss designs. Low-order polynomial curve fits through these points are used to approximate the behavior of the full set of Pareto-optimal designs. The resulting Pareto-optimal design curve is used to predict frequency and mass for optimized trusses. Performance improvements are plotted in frequency-mass (criterion) space and compared to results for uniform trusses. Application of constraints to frequency and mass and sensitivity to constraint variation are demonstrated.

Workplace worries: a preliminary look at online sexual activities at the office-emerging issues for clinicians and employers.

PubMed

Cooper, Al; Safir, Marilyn P; Rosenmann, Amir

2006-02-01

Concerns about the impact of online sexual activities (OSA) on work-life are drastically increasing. This study examined 3,466 respondents who reported OSA, 18.5% of whom reported engaging in OSA at work. They were compared with the 81.5% who engaged in OSA at home, on average time spent in OSA, workplace policies regarding OSA, and relationship status. Two themes were identified and discussed: opportunity and sexual distress. Our findings indicate that participants are cognizant of issues of opportunity (e.g., the OSA from home group was more likely to indicate their workplace has established policies regarding OSA), and privacy, representing an important aspect of this theme (e.g., participants engaging in OSA at work were found to be twice as likely to have extra-marital affairs, compared with the OSA from home group). Secondly, our data suggests that many participants, especially from the OSA at work group, experience OSA-related distress. Engaging in OSA at the workplace may result in decreased productivity, issues of sexual harassment, and concerns about employee well-being. Clearly stated and consistently enforced policies regulating OSA are likely to mitigate workplace OSA. However, a significant minority of employees may have difficulties curbing OSA. Therefore, more sophisticated strategies to deal with workplace OSA should be established. Additional implications of importance for organizations and mental health professionals who support them are discussed.

Climate change effects on international stability : a white paper.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Murphy, Kathryn; Taylor, Mark A.; Fujii, Joy

2004-12-01

This white paper represents a summary of work intended to lay the foundation for development of a climatological/agent model of climate-induced conflict. The paper combines several loosely-coupled efforts and is the final report for a four-month late-start Laboratory Directed Research and Development (LDRD) project funded by the Advanced Concepts Group (ACG). The project involved contributions by many participants having diverse areas of expertise, with the common goal of learning how to tie together the physical and human causes and consequences of climate change. We performed a review of relevant literature on conflict arising from environmental scarcity. Rather than simply reviewingmore » the previous work, we actively collected data from the referenced sources, reproduced some of the work, and explored alternative models. We used the unfolding crisis in Darfur (western Sudan) as a case study of conflict related to or triggered by climate change, and as an exercise for developing a preliminary concept map. We also outlined a plan for implementing agents in a climate model and defined a logical progression toward the ultimate goal of running both types of models simultaneously in a two-way feedback mode, where the behavior of agents influences the climate and climate change affects the agents. Finally, we offer some ''lessons learned'' in attempting to keep a diverse and geographically dispersed group working together by using Web-based collaborative tools.« less

Exoskeletal Engine Concept: Feasibility Studies for Medium and Small Thrust Engines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Halliwell, Ian

2001-01-01

The exoskeletal engine concept is one in which the shafts and disks are eliminated and are replaced by rotating casings that support the blades in spanwise compression. Omission of the shafts and disks leads to an open channel at the engine centerline. This has immense potential for reduced jet noise and for the accomodation of an alternative form of thruster for use in a combined cycle. The use of ceramic composite materials has the potential for significantly reduced weight as well as higher working temperatures without cooling air. The exoskeletal configuration is also a natural stepping-stone to complete counter-rotating turbomachinery. Ultimately this will lead to reductions in weight, length, parts count and improved efficiency. The feasibility studies are in three parts. Part I-Systems and Component Requirements addressed the mechanical aspects of components from a functionality perspective. This effort laid the groundwork for preliminary design studies. Although important, it is not felt to be particularly original, and has therefore not been included in the current overview. Part 2-Preliminary Design Studies turned to some of the cycle and performance issues inherent in an exoskeletal configuration and some initial attempts at preliminary design of turbomachinery were described. Twin-spoon and single-spool 25.800-lbf-thrust turbofans were used as reference vehicles in a mid-size commercial subsonic category in addition to a single-spool 5,000-lbf-thrust turbofan that represented a general aviation application. The exoskeletal engine, with its open centerline, has tremendous potential for noise suppression and some preliminary analysis was done which began to quantify the benefits. Part 3-Additional Preliminary Design Studies revisited the design of single-spool 25,800-lbf-thrust turbofan configurations, but in addition to the original FPR = 1.6 and BPR = 5.1 reference engine, two additional configurations used FPR = 2.4 and BPR = 3.0 and FPR = 3.2 and BPR = 2.0 were investigated. The single-spool 5,000-lbf-thrust turbofan was refined and the small engine study was extended to include a 2,000-lbf-thrust turbojet. More attention was paid to optimizing the turbomachinery. Turbine cooling flows were eliminated, in keeping with the use of uncooled CMC material in exoskeletal engines. The turbine performance parameters moved much closer to the nominal target values, demonstrating the great benefits to the cycle of uncooled turbines.

Exoskeletal Engine Concept: Feasibility Studies for Medium and Small Thrust Engines

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Halliwell, Ian

2001-01-01

The exoskeletal engine concept is one in which the shafts and disks are eliminated and are replaced by rotating casings that support the blades in spanwise compression. Omission of the shafts and disks leads to an open channel at the engine centerline. This has immense potential for reduced jet noise and for the accommodation of an alternative form of thruster for use in a combined cycle. The use of ceramic composite materials has the potential for significantly reduced weight as well as higher working temperatures without cooling air. The exoskeletal configuration is also a natural stepping-stone to complete counter-rotating turbomachinery. Ultimately this will lead to reductions in weight, length, parts count and improved efficiency. The feasibility studies are in three parts. Part 1: Systems and Component Requirements addressed the mechanical aspects of components from a functionality perspective. This effort laid the groundwork for preliminary design studies. Although important, it is not felt to be particularly original, and has therefore not been included in the current overview. Part 2: Preliminary Design Studies turned to some of the cycle and performance issues inherent in an exoskeletal configuration and some initial attempts at preliminary design of turbomachinery were described. Twin-spoon and single-spool 25,800-lbf-thrust turbofans were used as reference vehicles in a mid-size commercial subsonic category in addition to a single-spool 5,000-lbf-thrust turbofan that represented a general aviation application. The exoskeletal engine, with its open centerline, has tremendous potential for noise suppression and some preliminary analysis was done which began to quantify the benefits. Part 3: Additional Preliminary Design Studies revisited the design of single-spool 25,800-lbf-thrust turbofan configurations, but in addition to the original FPR = 1.6 and BPR = 5.1 reference engine. two additional configurations used FPR = 2.4 and BPR = 3.0 and FPR = 3.2 and BPR = 2.0 were investigated. The single-spool 5.000-lbf-thrust turbofan was refined and the small engine study was extended to include a 2,000-lbf-thrust turbojet. More attention was paid to optimizing the turbomachinery. Turbine cooling flows were eliminated, in keeping with the use of uncooled CMC materials in exoskeletal engines. The turbine performance parameters moved much closer to the nominal target values, demonstrating the great benefits to the cycle of uncooled turbines.

Measurements of stratospheric NO, NO2, and N2O5 by ISAMS: Preliminary observations and data validation

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kerridge, Brian J.; Ballard, J.; Knight, R. J.; Stevens, A. D.; Reburn, J.; Morris, P.; Remedios, John J.; Taylor, Fredric W.

1994-01-01

The Improved Stratospheric and Mesospheric Sounder (ISAMS) is a multichannel radiometer and forms part of the science payload of the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS). ISAMS measures infrared emissions from the Earth's atmosphere in several wavelength bands. Three such bands include emission from nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, and dinitrogen pentoxide. In this paper, we briefly discuss how the ISAMS instrument measures NO, NO2, and N2O5. We also present preliminary data from these channels and describe preliminary validation work.

High Reynolds Number Thermal Stability Experiments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Emens, Jessica M.; Brown, Sarah P.; Frederick Robert A., Jr.; Wood, A. John

2004-01-01

This work represents preliminary thermal stability results for liquid hydrocarbon fuels. High Reynolds Number Thermal Stability experiments with Jet A and RP-1 resulted in a quantitative measurement of the thermal stability. Each fuel flowed through a heated capillary tube that held the outlet temperature at 290 C. An optical pyrometer measured the surface temperature of the tube at 12 locations as a function of time. The High Reynolds Number Thermal Stability number was then determined using standards published by the American Society for Testing and Materials. The results for Jet A showed lower thermal stability than similar tests conducted at another facility. The RP-1 results are the first reported using this technique. Because the temperature rise on the capillary tube during testing for the RP-1 fuels was not significant, a new standard for the testing conditions should be developed for these types of fuels.

Experiments with a Parallel Multi-Objective Evolutionary Algorithm for Scheduling

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Brown, Matthew; Johnston, Mark D.

2013-01-01

Evolutionary multi-objective algorithms have great potential for scheduling in those situations where tradeoffs among competing objectives represent a key requirement. One challenge, however, is runtime performance, as a consequence of evolving not just a single schedule, but an entire population, while attempting to sample the Pareto frontier as accurately and uniformly as possible. The growing availability of multi-core processors in end user workstations, and even laptops, has raised the question of the extent to which such hardware can be used to speed up evolutionary algorithms. In this paper we report on early experiments in parallelizing a Generalized Differential Evolution (GDE) algorithm for scheduling long-range activities on NASA's Deep Space Network. Initial results show that significant speedups can be achieved, but that performance does not necessarily improve as more cores are utilized. We describe our preliminary results and some initial suggestions from parallelizing the GDE algorithm. Directions for future work are outlined.

Impact of job insecurity on sexual desire: an exploratory analysis.

PubMed

Domenighetti, Gianfranco; Tomada, Angelo; Marazzi, Alfio; Abazi, Ornela; Quaglia, Jacqueline

2009-08-22

To explore, for the first time, the impact of job insecurity on sexual desire. Cross-sectional analysis of a nationally representative sample of 7247 individuals aged 20-64 years working as full or part-time employees in Switzerland. The logistic regression analysis showed that workers aged 20-49 years perceiving high levels of job insecurity are exposed to a significantly higher risk of decrease of sexual desire compared to the reference group. The risk is 53% higher among men (OR 1.53; 95% CI 1.16-2.01) and 47% for woman (OR 1.47; 1.13-1.91). No increased risk was found for employees aged 50-64 years old. An increasing fear of job loss is associated with a deterioration in sexual desire. These first preliminary findings should promote further epidemiological and clinical prospective studies on the impact of job insecurity on intimate relationships and sexual dysfunction.

NPS alternate techsat satellite, design project for AE-4871

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1993-01-01

This project was completed as part of AE-4871, Advanced Spacecraft Design. The intent of the course is to provide experience in the design of all the major components in a spacecraft system. Team members were given responsibility for the design of one of the six primary subsystems: power, structures, propulsion, attitude control, telemetry, tracking and control (TT&C), and thermal control. In addition, a single member worked on configuration control, launch vehicle integration, and a spacecraft test plan. Given an eleven week time constraint, a preliminary design of each subsystem was completed. Where possible, possible component selections were also made. Assistance for this project came principally from the Naval Research Laboratory's Spacecraft Technology Branch. Specific information on components was solicited from representatives in industry. The design project centers on a general purpose satellite bus that is currently being sought by the Strategic Defense Initiative.

Soft chitosan microbeads scaffold for 3D functional neuronal networks.

PubMed

Tedesco, Maria Teresa; Di Lisa, Donatella; Massobrio, Paolo; Colistra, Nicolò; Pesce, Mattia; Catelani, Tiziano; Dellacasa, Elena; Raiteri, Roberto; Martinoia, Sergio; Pastorino, Laura

2018-02-01

The availability of 3D biomimetic in vitro neuronal networks of mammalian neurons represents a pivotal step for the development of brain-on-a-chip experimental models to study neuronal (dys)functions and particularly neuronal connectivity. The use of hydrogel-based scaffolds for 3D cell cultures has been extensively studied in the last years. However, limited work on biomimetic 3D neuronal cultures has been carried out to date. In this respect, here we investigated the use of a widely popular polysaccharide, chitosan (CHI), for the fabrication of a microbead based 3D scaffold to be coupled to primary neuronal cells. CHI microbeads were characterized by optical and atomic force microscopies. The cell/scaffold interaction was deeply characterized by transmission electron microscopy and by immunocytochemistry using confocal microscopy. Finally, a preliminary electrophysiological characterization by micro-electrode arrays was carried out. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Cell-based Therapy for Acute Organ Injury: Preclinical Evidence and On-going Clinical Trials Using Mesenchymal Stem Cells

PubMed Central

Monsel, Antoine; Zhu, Ying-gang; Gennai, Stephane; Hao, Qi; Liu, Jia; Lee, Jae W.

2014-01-01

Critically ill patients often suffer from multiple organ failures involving lung, kidney, liver or brain. Genomic, proteomic and metabolomic approaches highlight common injury mechanisms leading to acute organ failure. This underlines the need to focus on therapeutic strategies affecting multiple injury pathways. The use of adult stem cells such as mesenchymal stem or stromal cells (MSC) may represent a promising new therapeutic approach as increasing evidence shows that MSC can exert protective effects following injury through the release of pro-mitotic, anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory soluble factors. Furthermore, they can mitigate metabolomic and oxidative stress imbalance. In this work, we review the biological capabilities of MSC and the results of clinical trials using MSC as therapy in acute organ injuries. Although preliminary results are encouraging, more studies concerning safety and efficacy of MSC therapy are needed to determine their optimal clinical use. PMID:25211170

Electron density measurement in gas discharge plasmas by optical and acoustic methods

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Biagioni, A.; Anania, M. P.; Bellaveglia, M.; Chiadroni, E.; Cianchi, A.; Di Giovenale, D.; Di Pirro, G.; Ferrario, M.; Filippi, F.; Mostacci, A.; Pompili, R.; Shpakov, V.; Vaccarezza, C.; Villa, F.; Zigler, A.

2016-08-01

Plasma density represents a very important parameter for both laser wakefield and plasma wakefield acceleration, which use a gas-filled capillary plasma source. Several techniques can be used to measure the plasma density within a capillary discharge, which are mainly based on optical diagnostic methods, as for example the well-known spectroscopic method using the Stark broadening effect. In this work, we introduce a preliminary study on an alternative way to detect the plasma density, based on the shock waves produced by gas discharge in a capillary. Firstly, the measurements of the acoustic spectral content relative to the laser-induced plasmas by a solid target allowed us to understand the main properties of the acoustic waves produced during this kind of plasma generation; afterwards, we have extended such acoustic technique to the capillary plasma source in order to calibrate it by comparison with the stark broadening method.

A nuclear driven metallic vapor MHD coupled with MPD thrusters

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Anghaie, Samim; Kumar, Ratan

1991-01-01

Nuclear energy as a source of power for space missions, represents an enabling technology for advanced and ambitious space applications. Nuclear fuel in a gaseous or liquid form has been configured as a promising and practical candidate in this regard. The present study investigates and performs a feasibility analysis of an innovative concept for space power generation and propulsion. The system embodies a conceptual nuclear reactor with an MHD generator and coupled to MPD thrusters. The reactor utilizes liquid uranium in droplet form as fuel and superheated metallic vapor as the working fluid. This ultrahigh temperature vapor core reactor brings forward varied and challenging technical issues, and it has been addressed to in this paper. A parametric study of the conceived system has been performed in a qualitative and quantitative manner. Preliminary results show enough promise for further indepth analysis of this novel system.

Preliminary dynamic tests of a flight-type ejector

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Drummond, Colin K.

1992-01-01

A thrust augmenting ejector was tested to provide experimental data to assist in the assessment of theoretical models to predict duct and ejector fluid-dynamic characteristics. Eleven full-scale thrust augmenting ejector tests were conducted in which a rapid increase in the ejector nozzle pressure ratio was effected through a unique bypass/burst-disk subsystem. The present work examines two cases representative of the test performance window. In the first case, the primary nozzle pressure ration (NPR) increased 36 percent from one unchoked (NPR = 1.29) primary flow condition to another (NPR = 1.75) over a 0.15 second interval. The second case involves choked primary flow conditions, where a 17 percent increase in primary nozzle flowrate (from NPR = 2.35 to NPR = 2.77) occurred over approximately 0.1 seconds. Transient signal treatment of the present dataset is discussed and initial interpretations of the results are compared with theoretical predictions for a similar STOVL ejector model.

Optimally combining dynamical decoupling and quantum error correction.

PubMed

Paz-Silva, Gerardo A; Lidar, D A

2013-01-01

Quantum control and fault-tolerant quantum computing (FTQC) are two of the cornerstones on which the hope of realizing a large-scale quantum computer is pinned, yet only preliminary steps have been taken towards formalizing the interplay between them. Here we explore this interplay using the powerful strategy of dynamical decoupling (DD), and show how it can be seamlessly and optimally integrated with FTQC. To this end we show how to find the optimal decoupling generator set (DGS) for various subspaces relevant to FTQC, and how to simultaneously decouple them. We focus on stabilizer codes, which represent the largest contribution to the size of the DGS, showing that the intuitive choice comprising the stabilizers and logical operators of the code is in fact optimal, i.e., minimizes a natural cost function associated with the length of DD sequences. Our work brings hybrid DD-FTQC schemes, and their potentially considerable advantages, closer to realization.

Optimally combining dynamical decoupling and quantum error correction

PubMed Central

Paz-Silva, Gerardo A.; Lidar, D. A.

2013-01-01

Quantum control and fault-tolerant quantum computing (FTQC) are two of the cornerstones on which the hope of realizing a large-scale quantum computer is pinned, yet only preliminary steps have been taken towards formalizing the interplay between them. Here we explore this interplay using the powerful strategy of dynamical decoupling (DD), and show how it can be seamlessly and optimally integrated with FTQC. To this end we show how to find the optimal decoupling generator set (DGS) for various subspaces relevant to FTQC, and how to simultaneously decouple them. We focus on stabilizer codes, which represent the largest contribution to the size of the DGS, showing that the intuitive choice comprising the stabilizers and logical operators of the code is in fact optimal, i.e., minimizes a natural cost function associated with the length of DD sequences. Our work brings hybrid DD-FTQC schemes, and their potentially considerable advantages, closer to realization. PMID:23559088

Electrospraying and Electrospinning of Polymers for Biomedical Applications. Poly(Lactic-Co-Glycolic Acid) and Poly(Ethylene-Co-Vinylacetate). Appendix 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stitzel, Joel D.; Bowlin, Gary L.; Mansfield, Kevin; Wnek, Gary E.; Simpson, David G.

2000-01-01

Significant opportunities exist for the processing of polymers (homopolymers and blends) using electric fields. Specific attention is given here to electrospinning, but we note that electroaerosol formation and field-modulated film casting represent additional processing options. Of particular interest is the ability to generate polymer fibers of sub-micron dimensions using electrospinning, down to about 0.05 microns (50 nm), a size range that has been traditionally difficult to access. In our work, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid), PLA/PGA, poly(lactic acid) PLA, and poly(ethylene-co-vinylacetate) (PEVA) have been deposited from solutions in methylene chloride or chloroform by electrospraying or electrospinning to afford morphologically tailored materials for tissue engineering and related applications. Low solution concentrations tend to favor electrostatic spraying ('electro-aerosolization') while higher concentrations lead to spinning on fibrous mats. Preliminary observations of muscle cell growth on PLA electrospun mats are reported.

Developmental rate and behavior of early life stages of bighead carp and silver carp

USGS Publications Warehouse

Chapman, Duane C.; George, Amy E.

2011-01-01

The early life stages of Asian carp are well described by Yi and others (1988), but since these descriptions are represented by line drawings based only on live individuals and lacked temperature controls, further information on developmental time and stages is of use to expand understanding of early life stages of these species. Bighead carp and silver carp were cultured under two different temperature treatments to the one-chamber gas bladder stage, and a photographic guide is provided for bighead carp and silver carp embryonic and larval development, including notes about egg morphology and larval swimming behavior. Preliminary information on developmental time and hourly thermal units for each stage is also provided. Both carp species developed faster under warmer conditions. Developmental stages and behaviors are generally consistent with earlier works with the exception that strong vertical swimming immediately after hatching was documented in this report.

Solubility, stability, and electrochemical studies of sulfur-sulfide solutions in organic solvents

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Fielder, W. L.; Singer, J.

1978-01-01

A preliminary study of the sulfur electrode in organic solvents suggests that the system warrants further investigation for use in a low temperature (100 deg to 120 C) Na-S secondary battery. A qualitative screening was undertaken at 120 C to determine the solubilities and stabilities of Na2S and Na2S2 in representatives of many classes of organic solvents. From the screening and quantitative studies, two classes of solvents were selected for work; amides and cyclic polyalcohols. Voltammetric and Na-S cell charge discharge studies of sulfide solutions in organic solvents (e.g., N, N-dimethylformamide) at 120 C suggested that the reversibilities of the reactions on Pt or high density graphite were moderately poor. However, the sulfur electrode was indeed reducible (and oxidizable) through the range of elemental sulfur to Na2S. Reactions and mechanisms are proposed for the oxidation reduction processes occurring at the sulfur electrode.

Pyrazole and imidazo[1,2-b]pyrazole derivatives as new potential anti-tuberculosis agents.

PubMed

Meta, Elda; Brullo, Chiara; Tonelli, Michele; Franzblau, Scott G; Wang, Yuehong; Ma, Rui; Baojie, Wan; Orena, Beatrice Silvia; Pasca, Maria Rosalia; Bruno, Olga

2018-05-23

We screened a large library of differently decorated imidazo-pyrazole and pyrazole derivatives as possible new antitubercular agents and this preliminary screening showed that many compounds are able to totally inhibit Mycobacterium growth (>90 %). Among the most active compounds, we selected some new possible hits based on their similarities and, at the same time, their novelty respect to the pipeline drugs. In order to increase the potency and obtain more information about structure activity relationship (SAR), we design and synthesized three new series of compounds (2a-e, 3a-e, and 4a-l). Performed tests confirmed that both new pyrazoles and imidazo-pyrazoles could represent a new starting point to obtain more potent compounds and further work is now underway to identify the protein targets of this new class of anti-TB agents. Copyright© Bentham Science Publishers; For any queries, please email at epub@benthamscience.org.

The invisibility of informal interpreting in mental health care in South Africa: notes towards a contextual understanding.

PubMed

Swartz, Leslie; Kilian, Sanja

2014-12-01

Despite South Africa's constitutional commitment to equality, represented by 11 official languages and the promotion of South African Sign Language, many users of the public health system receive treatment from people who cannot speak their language, and there are no formal interpreting services. This is a legacy of service provision from the apartheid era, and interpreting is currently undertaken by nurses, cleaners, security guards, and family members of patients, amongst others. We provide a preliminary outline of proximal and distal issues which may bear upon this situation. Changing understandings of the nature of careers in the health field, international trends in mental health theory and practice toward crude biologism, and ongoing patterns of social exclusion and stigma all contribute not only to a continuing state of compromised linguistic access to mental health care, but also to processes of rendering invisible the actual work of care in the mental health field.

An Investigation on Industry-Sponsored Design Projects' Effectiveness at the First-Year Level: Potential Issues and Preliminary Results

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Okudan, Gul E.; Mohammed, Susan; Ogot, Madara

2006-01-01

This paper presents the preliminary work for developing guidelines to ensure that industry-sponsored projects in first-year courses aid, not hamper, retention of students. Specifically, the overall research plan includes the following steps: (1) investigating the appropriateness of industry projects in a required introduction to engineering design…

The Development and Initial Evaluation of the Human Readiness Level Framework

DTIC Science & Technology

2010-06-01

View ICD Initial Capabilities Document ICW Interactive Course Ware ILE Interactive Learning Environment ILT Instructor Led Training IOC...Programmatic Environmental Safety and Health Evaluation PHA Preliminary Hazard Analysis PHL Preliminary Hazard List xiv PM Program Manager PQS...Occupational Health SOW Statement of Work SRD System Requirements Document SPS System Performance Specification SRR System Requirements Review SVR

Children and Ideology: An Introduction to a Research and Development Project and Some Preliminary Findings.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stockholm School of Education (Sweden). Dept. of Educational Research.

This paper presents preliminary research findings on children's ideological questions and some results of an inquiry among teachers regarding the treatment of such questions in groups of children. The project work focused on (1) what capabilities children have to deal with ideological questions and problems, (2) what is the educational starting…

Developing Parenting Skills through Health Visitors: Preliminary Results from an Evaluation Study.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stevenson, Jim

Preliminary results of a study of the extent to which training health visitors in behavior modification techniques improves the effectiveness of their work with families of young children are presented. A total of 14 health visitors were recruited and assigned to training and delay-of-training groups. Selected from case loads, participating…

A Qualitative Study of Factors Influencing Racial Diversity in Environmental Education: Preliminary Results

Treesearch

Kathy James; Leo H. McAvoy

1992-01-01

This study presents preliminary result interviews with people of color working in environmental education and interpretation throughout the United States. The three primary questions asked were these? (1) What path led each individual to a career in environmental education; (2) How does each individual define environmentalism? and (3) What are the primary issues this...

Ergonomics in the psychiatric ward towards workers or patients?

PubMed

Silvana, Salerno; Laura, Forcella; Ursula, Di Fabio; Irene, Figà Talamanca; Paolo, Boscolo

2012-01-01

Patient's aggressive behavior is one of the major problem in the psychiatric ward. Here we present the preliminary results of a psychiatric ward case-study, of a public hospital in the Chieti province, in order to plan ergonomic improvement. We applied the Method of Organizational Congruencies in the psychiatric ward in order to study the relationship between organized hospital work and nurses wellbeing in a 24 hour shifts. We observed 58 main phases in the three work shifts. The technical actions are mainly those of any hospital wards (shift briefing, preparing and administering drugs, recording data on clinical charts, etc.). We found important differences mainly due to the nurses overcontrol activities on the patients behavior (preventing suicides or self destructive behavior), the occurrence of restraint procedure towards patients, the pollution due to patient's cigarette smoke. The fear of patient's self destructive behavior or other aggressive behaviour are the main cognitive and social aspects of this hospital ward. Nurses working in this psychiatric ward have to accept: locked doors, poor and polluted environment, restraint procedure with high risk of aggression and no availability of mental health care programs. A new interdisciplinary concept for ergonomics in psychiatry setting may represent a challenge for both nurses and patients and the community.

Novel fMRI working memory paradigm accurately detects cognitive impairment in Multiple Sclerosis

PubMed Central

Nelson, Flavia; Akhtar, Mohammad A.; Zúñiga, Edward; Perez, Carlos A.; Hasan, Khader M.; Wilken, Jeffrey; Wolinsky, Jerry S.; Narayana, Ponnada A.; Steinberg, Joel L.

2016-01-01

Background Cognitive impairment (CI) cannot be diagnosed by MRI. Functional MRI (fMRI) paradigms such as the immediate/delayed memory task (I/DMT), detect varying degrees of working memory. Preliminary findings using I/DMT, showed differences in Blood Oxygenation Level Dependent (BOLD) activation between impaired (MSCI, n=12) and non-impaired (MSNI, n=9) MS patients. Objectives To confirm CI detection based on I/DMT’ BOLD activation in a larger cohort of MS patients. The role of T2 lesion volume (LV) and EDSS in magnitude of BOLD signal were also sought. Methods Fifty patients [EDSS mean (m) = 3.2, DD m =12 yr., age m =40yr.] underwent the Minimal Assessment of Cognitive Function in MS (MACFIMS) and the I/DMT. Working-memory activation (WMa) represents BOLD signal during DMT minus signal during IMT. CI was based on MACFIMS. Results 10 MSNI, 30 MSCI and 4 borderline patients were included in analyses. ANOVA showed MSNI had significantly greater WMa than MSCI, in the left (L) prefrontal cortex and L supplementary motor area (p = 0.032). Regression analysis showed significant inverse correlations between WMa and T2 LV/EDSS in similar areas (p = 0.005, 0.004 respectively). Conclusion I/DMT-based BOLD activation detects CI in MS, larger studies are needed to confirm these findings. PMID:27613119

The hydrodynamic and ultrasound-induced forces on microbubbles under high Reynolds number flow representative of the human systemic circulation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Clark, Alicia; Aliseda, Alberto

2016-11-01

Ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs) are micron-sized bubbles that are used in conjunction with ultrasound (US) in medical applications such as thrombolysis and targeted intravenous drug delivery. Previous work has shown that the Bjerknes force, due to the phase difference between the incoming US pressure wave and the bubble volume oscillations, can be used to manipulate the trajectories of microbubbles. Our work explores the behavior of microbubbles in medium sized blood vessels under both uniform and pulsatile flows at a range of physiologically relevant Reynolds and Womersley numbers. High speed images were taken of the microbubbles in an in-vitro flow loop that replicates physiological flow conditions. During the imaging, the microbubbles were insonified at different diagnostic ultrasound settings (varying center frequency, PRF, etc.). An in-house Lagrangian particle tracking code was then used to determine the trajectories of the microbubbles and, thus, a dynamic model for the microbubbles including the Bjerknes forces acting on them, as well as drag, lift, and added mass. Preliminary work has also explored the behavior of the microbubbles in a patient-specific model of a carotid artery bifurcation to demonstrate the feasibility of preferential steering of microbubbles towards the intracranial circulation with US.

'Radon Concentration Survey in Inner Rooms from Deputy Chamber and National Congress-Brasilia/DF'

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Nicoli, Ieda Gomes; Cardozo, Katia Maria; Azevedo Gouvea, Vandir de

2008-08-07

Radon gas has been monitored in many environments such as rural and urban houses, high natural radioactivity areas and underground mining regions. Nevertheless few data are reported in literature about studies in state buildings. So we get in touch with these buildings managers, where work the Deputy Chamber and the National Congress in Brasilia--DF, in order to obtain radon data in these state buildings, so representative for brazilian people. In order to make a preliminary scanning of radon concentration in these buildings, it was put in selected points, radon nuclear track passive detectors type SSNTD, specifically polycarbonate Lexan, which weremore » exposed for periods from two to five months. Afterwards they were sent to Nuclear Engineering Institute in Rio de Janeiro for analysis of {sup 222}Rn contents. Derived values, whose average value was about 73 Bq/m{sup 3}, were all under maximum permissible limits for radon 200 Bq/m{sup 3}, established by International Comission on Radiological Protection--ICRP 65, for inner environments of houses and state buildings. This work has been coordinated by CNEN Office in Braselia with effective participation of Nuclear Engineering Institute from CNEN--RJ, that has worked since beginning of april 2004, supplying and analysing radon detectors.« less

The impact of a large-scale quality improvement programme on work engagement: preliminary results from a national cross-sectional-survey of the 'Productive Ward'.

PubMed

White, Mark; Wells, John S G; Butterworth, Tony

2014-12-01

Quality improvement (QI) Programmes, like the Productive Ward: Releasing-time-to-care initiative, aim to 'engage' and 'empower' ward teams to actively participate, innovate and lead quality improvement at the front line. However, little is known about the relationship and impact that QI work has on the 'engagement' of the clinical teams who participate and vice-versa. This paper explores and examines the impact of a large-scale QI programme, the Productive Ward, on the 'work engagement' of the nurses and ward teams involved. Using the Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES), we surveyed, measured and analysed work engagement in a representative test group of hospital-based ward teams who had recently commenced the latest phase of the national 'Productive Ward' initiative in Ireland and compared them to a control group of similar size and matched (as far as is possible) on variables such as ward size, employment grade and clinical specialty area. 338 individual datasets were recorded, n=180 (53.6%) from the Productive Ward group, and n=158 (46.4%) from the control group; the overall response rate was 67%, and did not differ significantly between the Productive Ward and control groups. The work engagement mean score (±standard deviation) in the Productive group was 4.33(±0.88), and 4.07(±1.06) in the control group, representing a modest but statistically significant between-group difference (p=0.013, independent samples t-test). Similarly modest differences were observed in all three dimensions of the work engagement construct. Employment grade and the clinical specialty area were also significantly related to the work engagement score (p<0.001, general linear model) and (for the most part), to its components, with both clerical and nurse manager grades, and the elderly specialist areas, exhibiting substantially higher scores. The findings demonstrate how QI activities, like those integral to the Productive Ward programme, appear to positively impact on the work engagement (the vigour, absorption and dedication) of ward-based teams. The use and suitability of the UWES as an appropriate measure of 'engagement' in QI interventions was confirmed. The engagement of nurses and front-line clinical teams is a major component of creating, developing and sustaining a culture of improvement. Copyright © 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier Ltd.. All rights reserved.

Statements of work handbook. [technical writing for NASA programs

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1975-01-01

Guidelines are presented for preparing statements of work (SOW) to assure a consistent approach throughout NASA. Statements of work for study and preliminary definition contracts, for definition and development of major systems, for support services, and for small research and development contracts are discussed.

A technology demonstrator for development of ultra-lightweight, large aperture, deployable telescope for space applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zuccaro Marchi, Alessandro; Gambicorti, Lisa; Simonetti, Francesca; Salinari, Piero; Lisi, Franco; Bursi, Alessandro; Olivier, Massimiliano; Gallieni, Daniele

2017-11-01

This work presents the latest results of new technological concepts for large aperture, lightweight telescopes using thin deployable active mirrors. The study is originally addressed to a spaceborne DIAL (Differential Absorption Lidar) at 935.5 nm for the measurement of water vapour profile in atmosphere, as an output of an ESA contract (whose preliminary results were presented at ICSO 2006). The high versatility of these concepts allows to exploit the presented technology for any project willing to consider large aperture, segmented lightweight telescopes. A possible scientific application is for Ultra High Energy Cosmic Rays detection through the fluorescence traces in atmosphere and diffused Cerenkov signals observation via a Schmidt-like spaceborne LEO telescope with large aperture, wide Field of View (FOV) and low f/#. A technology demonstrator has been manufactured and tested in order to investigate two project critical areas identified during the preliminary design: the performances of the long-stroke actuators used to implement the mirror active control and the mirror survivability to launch. In particular, this breadboard demonstrates at first that the mirror actuators are able to control with the adequate accuracy the surface shape and to recover a deployment error with their long stroke; secondly, the mirror survivability has been demonstrated using an electrostatic locking between mirror and backplane able to withstand without failure a vibration test representative of the launch environment.

Alchemical poetry in medieval and early modern Europe: a preliminary survey and synthesis. Part II - Synthesis.

PubMed

Kahn, Didier

2011-03-01

This article provides a preliminary description of medieval and early modern alchemical poetry composed in Latin and in the principal vernacular languages of western Europe. It aims to distinguish the various genres in which this poetry flourished, and to identify the most representative aspects of each cultural epoch by considering the medieval and early modern periods in turn. Such a distinction (always somewhat artificial) between two broad historical periods may be justified by the appearance of new cultural phenomena that profoundly modified the character of early modern alchemical poetry: the ever-increasing importance of the prisca theologia, the alchemical interpretation of ancient mythology, and the rise of neo-Latin humanist poetry. Although early modern alchemy was marked by the appearance of new doctrines (notably the alchemical spiritus mundi and Paracelsianism), alchemical poetry was only superficially modified by criteria of a scientific nature, which therefore appear to be of lesser importance. This study falls into two parts. Part I provides a descriptive survey of extant poetry, and in Part II the results of the survey are analysed in order to highlight such distinctive features as the function of alchemical poetry, the influence of the book market on its evolution, its doctrinal content, and the question of whether any theory of alchemical poetry ever emerged. Part II is accompanied by an index of the authors and works cited in both parts.

Tolerability to prolonged lifting tasks. A validation of the recommended limits.

PubMed

Capodaglio, P; Bazzini, G

1997-01-01

Prolonged physical exertion is subjectively regulated by the perception of effort. This preliminary study was conducted to validate the use of subjective perceptions of effort in assessing objectively tolerable workloads for prolonged lifting tasks. Ten healthy male subjects tested their maximal lifting capacity (MLC) on a lift dynamometer (LidoLift, Loredan Biomed., West Sacramento, CA) and underwent incremental and 30-minute endurance lifting tests. Cardiorespiratory parameters were monitored with an oxygen uptake analyzer, mechanical parameters were calculated using a computerized dynamometer. Ratings of perceived exertion were given on Borg's 10-point scale. Physiological responses to repetitive lifting were matched with subjective perceptions. A single-variable statistical regression for power functions was performed to obtain the individual "iso-perception" curves as functions of the mechanical work exerted. We found that the "iso-perception" curve corresponding to a "moderate" perception of effort may represent the individual "tolerance threshold" for prolonged lifting tasks, since physiological responses at this level of intensity did not change significantly and the respiratory exchange ratio was less than one. The individually tolerable weight for lifting tasks lasting 30 min has been expressed as a percentage of the isoinertial MLC value and compared with the currently recommended limits for prolonged lifting tasks (Italian legislation D.L. 626/94). On the basis of our preliminary results a "tolerance threshold" of 20% MLC has been proposed for prolonged lifting tasks.

Sm-Nd and Initial Sr-87/Sr-86 Isotopic Systematics of Asuka 881394 and Cumulate Eucrites Yamato 980318/433 Compared

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Nyquist, L. E.; Shih, C-Y; Young, Y. D.; Takeda, H.

2011-01-01

The Asuka 881394 achondrite contains fossil Al-26 and Mn-53 and has a Pb-206/Pb-207 age of 4566.5 +/- 0.2 Ma, the oldest for an achondrite. Recent re-investigation of A881394 yielded revised initial Sm-146/Sm-144 = (9.1 +/- 1.4) x 10(exp -3), a Sm-147-Nd-143 age of 4525 +/- 58 Ma, a Rb-87-Sr-87 age of 4490 +/- 130 Ma, and initial Sr-87/Sr-86 = 0.698991 +/- 19, respectively. The relatively large uncertainties in the Sm-Nd and Rb-Sr ages are due to disturbances of the isotopic systematics of tridymite and other minor phases. A preliminary value for the Sm-147-Nd-143 age of the Yamato 980318 cumulate eucrite of 4560 +/- 150 Ma was refined in later work to 4567 +/- 24 Ma as reported orally at LPSC 35. Similarly, a preliminary value for Sm-146/Sm-144 = (7.7 +/- 1.2) x 10 (exp -3) was refined to (6.0 +/- 0.3) x 10(exp -3). For Yamato 980433, a Sm-147-Nd-143 age of 4542 +/-42 Ma and Sm-146/Sm-144 = (5.7 +/- 0.5) x 10(exp -3) has been reported. Because these two cumulate eucrites are paired, we consider them to represent one igneous rock and present their combined isotopic data here.

The Work Tasks Motivation Scale for Teachers (WTMST)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fernet, Claude; Senecal, Caroline; Guay, Frederic; Marsh, Herbert; Dowson, Martin

2008-01-01

The authors developed and validated a measure of teachers' motivation toward specific work tasks: The Work Tasks Motivation Scale for Teachers (WTMST). The WTMST is designed to assess five motivational constructs toward six work tasks (e.g., class preparation, teaching). The authors conducted a preliminary (n = 42) and a main study among…

7 CFR 1.78 - Development of special working relationships.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 1 2014-01-01 2014-01-01 false Development of special working relationships. 1.78 Section 1.78 Agriculture Office of the Secretary of Agriculture ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS Cooperative Production of Television Films § 1.78 Development of special working relationships. (a) Preliminary. Prior to...

7 CFR 1.78 - Development of special working relationships.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 1 2011-01-01 2011-01-01 false Development of special working relationships. 1.78 Section 1.78 Agriculture Office of the Secretary of Agriculture ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS Cooperative Production of Television Films § 1.78 Development of special working relationships. (a) Preliminary. Prior to...

7 CFR 1.78 - Development of special working relationships.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2013 CFR

2013-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 1 2013-01-01 2013-01-01 false Development of special working relationships. 1.78 Section 1.78 Agriculture Office of the Secretary of Agriculture ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS Cooperative Production of Television Films § 1.78 Development of special working relationships. (a) Preliminary. Prior to...

7 CFR 1.78 - Development of special working relationships.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2012 CFR

2012-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 1 2012-01-01 2012-01-01 false Development of special working relationships. 1.78 Section 1.78 Agriculture Office of the Secretary of Agriculture ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS Cooperative Production of Television Films § 1.78 Development of special working relationships. (a) Preliminary. Prior to...

7 CFR 1.78 - Development of special working relationships.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-01-01

... 7 Agriculture 1 2010-01-01 2010-01-01 false Development of special working relationships. 1.78 Section 1.78 Agriculture Office of the Secretary of Agriculture ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATIONS Cooperative Production of Television Films § 1.78 Development of special working relationships. (a) Preliminary. Prior to...

PRELIMINARY REPORT ON NATIONWIDE STUDY OF DRINKING WATER AND CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASES

EPA Science Inventory

This study was designed to further investigate the association(s) of cardiovascular diseases and drinking water constituents. A sample of 4200 adults were randomly selected from 35 geographic areas to represent the civilian noninstitutionalized population of the contiguous United...

Advances in breeding at USDA

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Genetic research of the sunflower research unit, USDA-ARS, in Fargo, ND, was discussed in a presentation to a group of producers, industry representatives, and scientists. The need for sunflower genetic research is ever increasing with more insect and disease problems nationwide. Preliminary data on...

ARSENIC ADSORPTION AND DESORPTION BY WATER TREATMENT RESIDUALS: PRELIMINARY RESULTS. (R830842)

EPA Science Inventory

The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Concl...

Preliminary Work for Examining the Scalability of Reinforcement Learning

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Clouse, Jeff

1998-01-01

Researchers began studying automated agents that learn to perform multiple-step tasks early in the history of artificial intelligence (Samuel, 1963; Samuel, 1967; Waterman, 1970; Fikes, Hart & Nilsonn, 1972). Multiple-step tasks are tasks that can only be solved via a sequence of decisions, such as control problems, robotics problems, classic problem-solving, and game-playing. The objective of agents attempting to learn such tasks is to use the resources they have available in order to become more proficient at the tasks. In particular, each agent attempts to develop a good policy, a mapping from states to actions, that allows it to select actions that optimize a measure of its performance on the task; for example, reducing the number of steps necessary to complete the task successfully. Our study focuses on reinforcement learning, a set of learning techniques where the learner performs trial-and-error experiments in the task and adapts its policy based on the outcome of those experiments. Much of the work in reinforcement learning has focused on a particular, simple representation, where every problem state is represented explicitly in a table, and associated with each state are the actions that can be chosen in that state. A major advantage of this table lookup representation is that one can prove that certain reinforcement learning techniques will develop an optimal policy for the current task. The drawback is that the representation limits the application of reinforcement learning to multiple-step tasks with relatively small state-spaces. There has been a little theoretical work that proves that convergence to optimal solutions can be obtained when using generalization structures, but the structures are quite simple. The theory says little about complex structures, such as multi-layer, feedforward artificial neural networks (Rumelhart & McClelland, 1986), but empirical results indicate that the use of reinforcement learning with such structures is promising. These empirical results make no theoretical claims, nor compare the policies produced to optimal policies. A goal of our work is to be able to make the comparison between an optimal policy and one stored in an artificial neural network. A difficulty of performing such a study is finding a multiple-step task that is small enough that one can find an optimal policy using table lookup, yet large enough that, for practical purposes, an artificial neural network is really required. We have identified a limited form of the game OTHELLO as satisfying these requirements. The work we report here is in the very preliminary stages of research, but this paper provides background for the problem being studied and a description of our initial approach to examining the problem. In the remainder of this paper, we first describe reinforcement learning in more detail. Next, we present the game OTHELLO. Finally we argue that a restricted form of the game meets the requirements of our study, and describe our preliminary approach to finding an optimal solution to the problem.

Chiropractors` experience and readiness to work in Indigenous Australian Communities: a preliminary cross-sectional survey to explore preparedness, perceived barriers and facilitators for chiropractors practising cross-culturally.

PubMed

Vindigni, Dein; Polus, Barbara I; Cleary, Sonja; Doyle, Aunty Kerrie

2017-01-01

Indigenous people make up approximately 3% of the total Australian population and score poorer on all health indices, including back pain. Chiropractors are well placed to alleviate back pain, yet there is no research that considers chiropractors' readiness to treat Indigenous patients. This study explores chiropractors` experience working with Indigenous Australians, describes perceived barriers and facilitators to chiropractors' participation in Indigenous Healthcare and their willingness to engage in cultural competency training. This study used a non-representative cross-sectional design and a convenience sample. Participants were recruited via email invitation to complete an online survey and encouraged to send the invitation on to colleagues. A 17-item online-survey measured demographic data, perceived barriers and facilitators related to caring for Indigenous Australians, participants` level of comfort when working in Indigenous health, and their willingness to participate in cultural competency programs to enhance their skills, knowledge and cultural capacity when engaging with Indigenous Australians. Analysis of the data included descriptive statistics as well as thematic analysis of qualitative free text. One hundred and twenty-five chiropractors participated in the survey. The majority of participants (86%, n  = 108) were employed in private practice. 62% of respondents were members of the Chiropractors' Association of Australia, 41% were Chiropractic and Osteopathic College of Australasia members. 60% of chiropractors considered that they had, or do treat Indigenous patients yet only 4% of respondents asked their patients if they identified as Indigenous. A majority of participants expressed a high level of 'comfort' or confidence in working with Indigenous people while only 17% of respondents had undertaken some form of cultural proficiency training. A majority of respondents (62.7%, n  = 74) expressed an interest in working with Indigenous Australians and a majority (91%, n  = 104) were willing to participate in training to develop Indigenous cultural competency. The study points to a need for chiropractors to have access to cultural proficiency training in order to develop the capability and confidence to engage respectfully with their Indigenous patients. This preliminary study has provided the researchers with valuable insights aiding the development and implementation of an Indigenous cultural proficiency program for chiropractors.

Factorial Structure and Preliminary Validation of the Schema Mode Inventory for Eating Disorders (SMI-ED)

PubMed Central

Simpson, Susan G.; Pietrabissa, Giada; Rossi, Alessandro; Seychell, Tahnee; Manzoni, Gian Mauro; Munro, Calum; Nesci, Julian B.; Castelnuovo, Gianluca

2018-01-01

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the psychometric properties and factorial structure of the Schema Mode Inventory for Eating Disorders (SMI-ED) in a disordered eating population. Method: 573 participants with disordered eating patterns as measured by the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) completed the 190-item adapted version of the Schema Mode Inventory (SMI). The new SMI-ED was developed by clinicians/researchers specializing in the treatment of eating disorders, through combining items from the original SMI with a set of additional questions specifically representative of the eating disorder population. Psychometric testing included Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and internal consistency (Cronbach's α). Multivariate Analyses of Covariance (MANCOVA) was also run to test statistical differences between the EDE-Q subscales on the SMI-ED modes, while controlling for possible confounding variables. Results: Factorial analysis confirmed an acceptable 16-related-factors solution for the SMI-ED, thus providing preliminary evidence for the adequate validity of the new measure based on internal structure. Concurrent validity was also established through moderate to high correlations on the modes most relevant to eating disorders with EDE-Q subscales. This study represents the first step in creating a psychometrically sound instrument for measuring schema modes in eating disorders, and provides greater insight into the relevant schema modes within this population. Conclusion: This research represents an important preliminary step toward understanding and labeling the schema mode model for this clinical group. Findings from the psychometric evaluation of SMI-ED suggest that this is a useful tool which may further assist in the measurement and conceptualization of schema modes in this population. PMID:29740379

Factorial Structure and Preliminary Validation of the Schema Mode Inventory for Eating Disorders (SMI-ED).

PubMed

Simpson, Susan G; Pietrabissa, Giada; Rossi, Alessandro; Seychell, Tahnee; Manzoni, Gian Mauro; Munro, Calum; Nesci, Julian B; Castelnuovo, Gianluca

2018-01-01

Objective: The aim of this study was to examine the psychometric properties and factorial structure of the Schema Mode Inventory for Eating Disorders (SMI-ED) in a disordered eating population. Method: 573 participants with disordered eating patterns as measured by the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE-Q) completed the 190-item adapted version of the Schema Mode Inventory (SMI). The new SMI-ED was developed by clinicians/researchers specializing in the treatment of eating disorders, through combining items from the original SMI with a set of additional questions specifically representative of the eating disorder population. Psychometric testing included Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and internal consistency (Cronbach's α). Multivariate Analyses of Covariance (MANCOVA) was also run to test statistical differences between the EDE-Q subscales on the SMI-ED modes, while controlling for possible confounding variables. Results: Factorial analysis confirmed an acceptable 16-related-factors solution for the SMI-ED, thus providing preliminary evidence for the adequate validity of the new measure based on internal structure. Concurrent validity was also established through moderate to high correlations on the modes most relevant to eating disorders with EDE-Q subscales. This study represents the first step in creating a psychometrically sound instrument for measuring schema modes in eating disorders, and provides greater insight into the relevant schema modes within this population. Conclusion: This research represents an important preliminary step toward understanding and labeling the schema mode model for this clinical group. Findings from the psychometric evaluation of SMI-ED suggest that this is a useful tool which may further assist in the measurement and conceptualization of schema modes in this population.

The Internet as a Tool for Informal Education: A Case of Uyghur Language Websites

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Clothey, Rebecca A.

2017-01-01

The 200th year since Jullien published his influential book "Esquisse et vues preliminaries d'un ouvrage sur l'éducation comparée" (Preliminary plan and views of a work of comparative education) is an opportunity to reflect on the field of comparative education and potential new research and theoretical directions. This paper will…

Job Sharing in the Schools: A Study of Nine Bay Area Districts. A Preliminary Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

New Ways to Work, Palo Alto, CA.

Under job sharing, two people share responsibility for one full-time position. Each person has a permanent, part-time job with salary and fringe benefits prorated according to hours worked. Job sharing has been available in some Bay Area school districts for the last four years. For this preliminary report, nine districts--Alum rock, Fremont,…

Some experiences in aircraft aeroelastic design using Preliminary Aeroelastic Design of Structures (PAD)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Radovcich, N. A.

1984-01-01

The design experience associated with a benchmark aeroelastic design of an out of production transport aircraft is discussed. Current work being performed on a high aspect ratio wing design is reported. The Preliminary Aeroelastic Design of Structures (PADS) system is briefly summarized and some operational aspects of generating the design in an automated aeroelastic design environment are discussed.

[The preliminary assessment in the B-BS protocol as a tool for the discovery of job stress symptoms and contingencies: a method under experimentation by INAIL].

PubMed

Clerici, P; Guercio, A

2010-01-01

The proposed model is aimed at assessing work-related stress and consists of a preliminary phase during which the Organization is monitored, Indexes and stressors are defined, characterized and then weighted; existing symptoms (if any) are also identified. A 'Probability vs. Severity' Matrix is then built up as a result: these tasks can profitably be performed by a technical professional, typically the Responsible of the Safety and Health Committee. According to found evidences, a second phase, strictly based upon the application of psychosocial research tools, might be needed to investigate group of workers that resulted troublesome during the preliminary phase. The preliminary phase of investigation on organizational stressors and indexes can be easily and successfully integrated with the 'Safety Assessment' steps provided for the B-BS protocol, also aimed at monitoring the organizational wellbeing and consequently acting on the workers' behavior. The model has been specifically designed for Small and Medium Enterprises, with the global objective of preventing accidents at work due to misbehavior and distraction, by correctly and safely applying operational procedures and mutual relationships.

Physical activity and body functionality: implications for obesity prevention and treatment.

PubMed

Tremblay, Angelo; Therrien, Fanny

2006-02-01

Physical activity promotes metabolic adaptations that improve body functionality and contribute to the prevention of some diseases. With respect to energy and fat balance, physical activity facilitates the equilibrium between energy intake and expenditure as well as between fat intake and fat oxidation. When combined with a healthy diet that favors satiety with a reduced energy intake, exercise can induce a substantial mass loss in obese individuals. However, even the impact of an exemplary lifestyle does not seem to have the potential to decrease body mass in obese individuals down to the mass range of lean people. Up to now, we have not been able to induce mass changes exceeding 12%-15% initial body mass in obese male subjects under tolerable exercise and dietary habits, and this moderate success was accompanied by modifications in appetite and energy expenditure susceptible to compromise subsequent mass stability. As described in this paper, many environmental factors can influence energy balance and the ability to lose body fat in response to a healthy diet and (or) physical activity program. Particular attention is given to preliminary data obtained in our laboratory that suggest that knowledge-based work does not favor the same potential mass reducing effects as physical work. In fact, the acute effects of knowledge-based work suggest that this work modality may be rather susceptible to promote a more pronounced positive energy balance compared with what we may expect from a sedentary relaxing activity. This is problematic for obesity prevention in the future since knowledge-based work now represents the main working modality in a context of modernity.

Enticed by the punschrulle: Preliminary investigation of the Seve Nappe Complex's incorporation into the Scandinavian Caledonides via 'vacuum-cleaner' exhumation.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barnes, Chris; Majka, Jaroslaw; Schneider, David; Bukala, Michal; Walczak, Katarzyna

2017-04-01

Recent discoveries of ultra-high pressure (UHP) metamorphism in the Seve Nappe Complex (SNC) of the Scandinavian Caledonides provide the basis for new investigations into the subduction - exhumation dynamics of the Baltoscandian margin during Caledonian tectonism. Specifically, exhumation of (U)HP complexes during subduction remains enigmatic. The recently proposed 'vacuum-cleaner' model details a method of exhumation for the SNC driven by conditions of underpressure within the subduction channel. This model, however, still requires extensive testing. Metasedimentary rocks hosting eclogite boudins of the SNC in Norrbotten, Sweden, preserve both metre-scale folding and a pervasive foliation which were developed during exhumation, as purposed by previous studies. Thus, the SNC host-rock offers an excellent region to test the vacuum-cleaner exhumation model. Preliminary investigation of the host-rock reveals a regional mineral assemblage of Qz + Ms + Grt + Bt + Ksp + Pl + Czo + Aln + Ttn (+ Tur + St). Garnet inclusions (Qz + Rt + Ms) are interpreted to represent the peak pressure assemblage. Chemical profiles of Grt show homogenization of the cores with thin retrogressive rims. Homogenization of Grt requires temperatures >700°C, interpreted to represent peak temperature conditions. Field observations of exhumation-related folds uncovered an axial-planar alignment of mica within the fold hinges, and an abundance of Aln and Czo requires upper-greenschist to lower-amphibolite facies conditions and presence of fluids. The current host-rock mineral assemblage is representative of retrogressive metamorphism at <550-600°C contemporaneous with deformation. Microstructures of the metasedimentary rocks are variable and strongly correlated with competency of the rock. Competent domains abundant in e.g. Qz, Grt, Czo, Ksp etc. exhibit coarse-grained subgrain and bulging-grain recrystallized Qz and development of micrometer-scale shear bands. Less competent domains, dominated by micas, are characterized by very fine-grained recrystallized Qz, mica (Ms) fish bundles and rotated, pre-kinematic Grt and Tur, illustrating strain localization which accommodated the exhumation of eclogite boudins. Kinematic orientations determined from mica-rich shear zones are variable; rigid eclogite boudins are likely controlling local shear sense. Compositional mapping of white mica reveals a narrow range of composition (61-73% XMs/27-39% XCel) regardless of degree of deformation experienced by the crystal. However, individual grains show patchy Mg-depleted/Al-enriched zones (70-84% XMs/16-30% XCel), which are spatially correlated with Bt-after-Ms reactions. Graphical representation of total Mg + Fe-content vs. excess Si-content of white mica illustrates a strong Tschermak substitution towards Ms end-member composition, with moderate Prl and Ti substitutions also contributing to the overall excess Si-content. Growth of Bt-after-Ms and the associated Tschermak substitution towards Ms-composition suggests a decrease in temperature during retrogressive metamorphism, perhaps marking the transition from lower-amphibolite to upper-greenschist facies. Future work on resolving the timing of exhumation of the SNC will involve in-situ 40Ar/39Ar dating of white mica and U-Pb depth profiling of zircon. This preliminary study regarding the petrology, mineral chemistry, and microstructures of the SNC host-rock in Norrbotten will be crucial for interpreting the geo/thermochronological results and will be instrumental for evaluating the vacuum-cleaner model. This work is financially supported by NCN "CALSUB" research project no. 2014/14/E/ST10/00321.

Knowledge Collisions: Perspectives from CED Practitioners Working with Women. NALL Working Paper.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stratton, Mary; Jackson, Ted

A study explored the ways that front-line community development workers across Canada gained information needed to work with women participants in community economic development initiatives. Data were gathered through focus groups, a preliminary study with 15 key informants employed in community development organizations, and structured telephone…

A Preliminary Field Test of an Employee Work Passion Model

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Zigarmi, Drea; Nimon, Kim; Houson, Dobie; Witt, David; Diehl, Jim

2011-01-01

Four dimensions of a process model for the formulation of employee work passion, derived from Zigarmi, Nimon, Houson, Witt, and Diehl (2009), were tested in a field setting. A total of 447 employees completed questionnaires that assessed the internal elements of the model in a corporate work environment. Data from the measurements of work affect,…

Summary report: A preliminary investigation into the use of fuzzy logic for the control of redundant manipulators

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cheatham, John B., Jr.; Magee, Kevin N.

1991-01-01

The Rice University Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Sciences' Robotics Group designed and built an eight degree of freedom redundant manipulator. Fuzzy logic was proposed as a control scheme for tasks not directly controlled by a human operator. In preliminary work, fuzzy logic control was implemented for a camera tracking system and a six degree of freedom manipulator. Both preliminary systems use real time vision data as input to fuzzy controllers. Related projects include integration of tactile sensing and fuzzy control of a redundant snake-like arm that is under construction.

Common Student Misconceptions in Exercise Physiology and Biochemistry

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Morton, James P.; Doran, Dominic A.; MacLaren, Don P. M.

2008-01-01

The present study represents a preliminary investigation designed to identify common misconceptions in students' understanding of physiological and biochemical topics within the academic domain of sport and exercise sciences. A specifically designed misconception inventory (consisting of 10 multiple-choice questions) was administered to a cohort…

PRELIMINARY FINDINGS FROM THE NERL RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK PARTICULATE MATTER PANEL STUDY

EPA Science Inventory

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is currently conducting the National Exposure Research Laboratory (NERL) Research Triangle Park (RTP) Particulate Matter (PM) Panel Study. This study represents a one year investigation of PM and related co-pollutants involving two dist...

Different types of small volcanos on Venus

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Slyuta, E. N.; Shalimov, I. V.; Nikishin, A. M.

1992-01-01

One of the studies of volcanic activity on Venus is the comparison of that with the analogous volcanic activity on Earth. The preliminary report of such a comparison and description of a small cluster of small venusian volcanos is represented in detail in this paper.

Petrography and Origin of the Unique Achondrite GRA 06128 & 06129: Preliminary Results

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Treiman, A. H.; Morris, R. V.; Kring, D. A.; Mittlefehldt, D. W.; Jones, J. H.

2007-01-01

GRA 06128 and 06129 are paired achondrites with unique mineral proportions (75% oligoclase), mineral compositions, and oxygen isotope ratios. They appear to represent alkalic igneous rock from a hitherto unsampled differentiated parent body, modified significantly by thermal and shock metamorphism.

QC/QA differences between hot mix asphalt (HMA) and warm mix asphalt (WMA).

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-01-01

WMA represents a group of technologies which allow a reduction in temperatures at which asphalt mixtures are produced and placed on the road. ODOT Materials Division has conducted preliminary inquiries into QC/QA testing for WMA. Some respondents ind...

CHECKLIST OF DIATOMS FROM THE LAURENTIAN GREAT LAKES

EPA Science Inventory

An updated diatom checklist for the Great Lakes is provided. The present checklist supplants the preliminary checklist published in The Journal for Great Lakes Research in 1978 and effectively represents a 20-year update. A series of procedures were used in this update which incl...

Optimizing Energy Conversion: Magnetic Nano-materials

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

McIntyre, Dylan; Dann, Martin; Ilie, Carolina C.

2015-03-01

We present herein the work started at SUNY Oswego as a part of a SUNY 4E grant. The SUNY 4E Network of Excellence has awarded SUNY Oswego and collaborators a grant to carry out extensive studies on magnetic nanoparticles. The focus of the study is to develop cost effective rare-earth-free magnetic materials that will enhance energy transmission performance of various electrical devices (solar cells, electric cars, hard drives, etc.). The SUNY Oswego team has started the preliminary work for the project and graduate students from the rest of the SUNY 4E team (UB, Alfred College, Albany) will continue the project. The preliminary work concentrates on analyzing the properties of magnetic nanoparticle candidates, calculating molecular orbitals and band gap, and the fabrication of thin films. SUNY 4E Network of Excellence Grant.

Organisational characteristics associated with shift work practices and potential opportunities for intervention: findings from a Canadian study.

PubMed

Hall, Amy L; Smit, Andrea N; Mistlberger, Ralph E; Landry, Glenn J; Koehoorn, Mieke

2017-01-01

Shift work is a common working arrangement with wide-ranging implications for worker health. Organisational determinants of shift work practices are not well characterised; such information could be used to guide evidence-based research and best practices to mitigate shift work's negative effects. This exploratory study aimed to describe and assess organisational-level determinants of shift work practices thought to affect health, across a range of industry sectors. Data on organisational characteristics, shift work scheduling, provision of shift work education materials/training to employees and night-time lighting policies in the workplace were collected during phone interviews with organisations across the Canadian province of British Columbia. Relationships between organisational characteristics and shift work practices were assessed using multivariable logistic regression models. The study sample included 88 participating organisations, representing 30 700 shift workers. Long-duration shifts, provision of shift work education materials/training to employees and night-time lighting policies were reported by approximately one-third of participating organisations. Odds of long-duration shifts increased in larger workplaces and by industry. Odds of providing shift work education materials/training increased in larger workplaces, in organisations reporting concern for shift worker health and in organisations without seasonal changes in shift work. Odds of night-time lighting policies in the workplace increased in organisations reporting previous workplace accidents or incidents that occurred during non-daytime hours, site maintenance needs and client service or care needs. This study points to organisational determinants of shift work practices that could be useful for targeting research and workplace interventions. Results should be interpreted as preliminary in an emerging body of literature on shift work and health. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://www.bmj.com/company/products-services/rights-and-licensing/.

National Health Expenditures, 1979

PubMed Central

Gibson, Robert M

1980-01-01

Outlays for health care in the nation reached $212.2 billion in calendar year 1979—12.5 percent higher than in 1978, according to preliminary figures compiled by the Health Care Financing Administration. This estimate represented $943 per person in the United States and was equal to 9.0 percent of the Gross National Product. This latest report in the annual series representing national health expenditures provides detailed estimates of health care spending by type of service and method of financing. PMID:10309255

National Health Expenditures, 1978

PubMed Central

Gibson, Robert M.

1979-01-01

Outlays for health care in the Nation reached $192.4 billion in calendar year 1978--13 percent higher than in 1977, according to preliminary figures compiled by the Health Care Financing Administration. This estimate represented $863 per person in the United States and was equal to 9.1 percent of the GNP. This latest report in the annual series representing national health expenditures provides detailed estimates of health care spending by type of service and method of financing. Revised estimates are presented extending back to 1965. PMID:10309049

Design of e-Science platform for biomedical imaging research cross multiple academic institutions and hospitals

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Zhang, Jianguo; Zhang, Kai; Yang, Yuanyuan; Ling, Tonghui; Wang, Tusheng; Wang, Mingqing; Hu, Haibo; Xu, Xuemin

2012-02-01

More and more image informatics researchers and engineers are considering to re-construct imaging and informatics infrastructure or to build new framework to enable multiple disciplines of medical researchers, clinical physicians and biomedical engineers working together in a secured, efficient, and transparent cooperative environment. In this presentation, we show an outline and our preliminary design work of building an e-Science platform for biomedical imaging and informatics research and application in Shanghai. We will present our consideration and strategy on designing this platform, and preliminary results. We also will discuss some challenges and solutions in building this platform.

Effects of vocationally oriented medical rehabilitation for aircraft maintenance personnel--a preliminary study of long-term effects with 5-year follow-up.

PubMed

Holopainen, Kaj; Nevala, Nina; Kuronen, Pentti; Arokoski, Jari P A

2004-12-01

Changes in the physical capacity, musculoskeletal symptoms, and perceived work ability of Finnish Air Force maintenance personnel were studied after vocationally oriented medical rehabilitation (VOMR). Twenty persons with chronic musculoskeletal symptoms in their back or neck took part in VOMR courses. The measurements were carried out at the beginning of the rehabilitation course and after two follow-up periods (0.5 and 5 years). The subjects worked most of the time in a bent position and often with their backs twisted and their arms above their shoulders. The severity of low-back pain and the number of days of sick leave decreased significantly (p < 0.05-0.01) during the 5-years follow-up. Also the exercise breaks at work increased (p < 0.01). After half a year of medical rehabilitation the measured range of the cervical spine and the dynamic and endurance strength of the upper and lower extremities was greater (p < 0.05-0.001) than at the beginning of the rehabilitation. There were no statistically significant differences in the use of physical therapy, experienced work strain, physical exercise or maximal oxygen consumption during the follow-up. This is a preliminary follow-up study lasting 5 years showed some significant changes in physical capacity, musculoskeletal symptoms and work ability. However, controlled studies are needed to evaluate these preliminary findings of this kind of rehabilitation model.

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Beltran, C; Kamal, H

Purpose: To provide a multicriteria optimization algorithm for intensity modulated radiation therapy using pencil proton beam scanning. Methods: Intensity modulated radiation therapy using pencil proton beam scanning requires efficient optimization algorithms to overcome the uncertainties in the Bragg peaks locations. This work is focused on optimization algorithms that are based on Monte Carlo simulation of the treatment planning and use the weights and the dose volume histogram (DVH) control points to steer toward desired plans. The proton beam treatment planning process based on single objective optimization (representing a weighted sum of multiple objectives) usually leads to time-consuming iterations involving treatmentmore » planning team members. We proved a time efficient multicriteria optimization algorithm that is developed to run on NVIDIA GPU (Graphical Processing Units) cluster. The multicriteria optimization algorithm running time benefits from up-sampling of the CT voxel size of the calculations without loss of fidelity. Results: We will present preliminary results of Multicriteria optimization for intensity modulated proton therapy based on DVH control points. The results will show optimization results of a phantom case and a brain tumor case. Conclusion: The multicriteria optimization of the intensity modulated radiation therapy using pencil proton beam scanning provides a novel tool for treatment planning. Work support by a grant from Varian Inc.« less

Sexual minority reflections on their psychotherapy experiences.

PubMed

Quiñones, Timothy J; Woodward, Eva N; Pantalone, David W

2017-03-01

Sexual minority (lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer) individuals are regular consumers of psychotherapy, and are more likely to utilize psychotherapy than heterosexually identified individuals. However, there is scant research on sexual minority clients examining their perceptions of therapists' efforts to work successfully with them. We examined the experiences reported by sexual minority individuals in psychotherapy (N = 77), utilizing an Internet-based survey that asked open-ended questions such as, "How did your therapist address your sexual orientation?" Using directed content analysis, we derived 19 repeating ideas, which we categorized into five major themes and two overarching concepts, including: (a) participants reported appreciating general person-centered psychotherapy competencies (e.g., active listening, validation, Socratic questioning) and (b) participants reported that various aspects of sexual orientation (e.g., therapist sexual identity, therapist knowledge about sexual minority populations) are relevant to their experiences in therapy and should be addressed directly by therapists. Results indicated that clients want generally competent therapists who understand that a sexual minority identity is only one part of a client's overall identity and not a defining characteristic or psychopathological. We explicate themes and representative quotes, and provide preliminary recommendations for therapists working with sexual minority clients.

Turbofan Volume Dynamics Model for Investigations of Aero-Propulso-Servo-Elastic Effects in a Supersonic Commercial Transport

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Connolly, Joseph W.; Kopasakis, George; Lemon, Kimberly A.

2010-01-01

A turbofan simulation has been developed for use in aero-propulso-servo-elastic coupling studies, on supersonic vehicles. A one-dimensional lumped volume approach is used whereby each component (fan, high-pressure compressor, combustor, etc.) is represented as a single volume using characteristic performance maps and conservation equations for continuity, momentum and energy. The simulation is developed in the MATLAB/SIMULINK (The MathWorks, Inc.) environment in order to facilitate controls development, and ease of integration with a future aero-servo-elastic vehicle model being developed at NASA Langley. The complete simulation demonstrated steady state results that closely match a proposed engine suitable for a supersonic business jet at the cruise condition. Preliminary investigation of the transient simulation revealed expected trends for fuel flow disturbances as well as upstream pressure disturbances. A framework for system identification enables development of linear models for controller design. Utilizing this framework, a transfer function modeling an upstream pressure disturbance s impacts on the engine speed is developed as an illustrative case of the system identification. This work will eventually enable an overall vehicle aero-propulso-servo-elastic model

Analysis of Underactuated Dynamic Locomotion Systems Using Perturbation Expansion: The Twistcar Toy Example

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Chakon, Ofir; Or, Yizhar

2017-08-01

Underactuated robotic locomotion systems are commonly represented by nonholonomic constraints where in mixed systems, these constraints are also combined with momentum evolution equations. Such systems have been analyzed in the literature by exploiting symmetries and utilizing advanced geometric methods. These works typically assume that the shape variables are directly controlled, and obtain the system's solutions only via numerical integration. In this work, we demonstrate utilization of the perturbation expansion method for analyzing a model example of mixed locomotion system—the twistcar toy vehicle, which is a variant of the well-studied roller-racer model. The system is investigated by assuming small-amplitude oscillatory inputs of either steering angle (kinematic) or steering torque (mechanical), and explicit expansions for the system's solutions under both types of actuation are obtained. These expressions enable analyzing the dependence of the system's dynamic behavior on the vehicle's structural parameters and actuation type. In particular, we study the reversal in direction of motion under steering angle oscillations about the unfolded configuration, as well as influence of the choice of actuation type on convergence properties of the motion. Some of the findings are demonstrated qualitatively by reporting preliminary motion experiments with a modular robotic prototype of the vehicle.

Stem cells in clinical trials for treatment of retinal degeneration.

PubMed

Klassen, Henry

2016-01-01

After decades of basic science research involving the testing of regenerative strategies in animal models of retinal degenerative diseases, a number of clinical trials are now underway, with additional trials set to begin shortly. These efforts will evaluate the safety and preliminary efficacy of cell-based products in the eyes of patients with a number of retinal conditions, notably including age-related macular degeneration, retinitis pigmentosa and Stargardt's disease. This review considers the scientific work and early trials with fetal cells and tissues that set the stage for the current clinical investigatory work, as well the trials themselves, specifically those either now completed, underway or close to initiation. The cells of interest include retinal pigment epithelial cells derived from embryonic stem or induced pluripotent stem cells, undifferentiated neural or retinal progenitors or cells from the vascular/bone marrow compartment or umbilical cord tissue. Degenerative diseases of the retina represent a popular target for emerging cell-based therapeutics and initial data from early stage clinical trials suggest that short-term safety objectives can be met in at least some cases. The question of efficacy will require additional time and testing to be adequately resolved.

Development and application of a screening model for evaluating bioenhanced dissolution in DNAPL source zones

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Phelan, Thomas J.; Abriola, Linda M.; Gibson, Jenny L.; Smits, Kathleen M.; Christ, John A.

2015-12-01

In-situ bioremediation, a widely applied treatment technology for source zones contaminated with dense non-aqueous phase liquids (DNAPLs), has proven economical and reasonably efficient for long-term management of contaminated sites. Successful application of this remedial technology, however, requires an understanding of the complex interaction of transport, mass transfer, and biotransformation processes. The bioenhancement factor, which represents the ratio of DNAPL mass transfer under microbially active conditions to that which would occur under abiotic conditions, is commonly used to quantify the effectiveness of a particular bioremediation remedy. To date, little research has been directed towards the development and validation of methods to predict bioenhancement factors under conditions representative of real sites. This work extends an existing, first-order, bioenhancement factor expression to systems with zero-order and Monod kinetics, representative of many source-zone scenarios. The utility of this model for predicting the bioenhancement factor for previously published laboratory and field experiments is evaluated. This evaluation demonstrates the applicability of these simple bioenhancement factors for preliminary experimental design and analysis, and for assessment of dissolution enhancement in ganglia-contaminated source zones. For ease of application, a set of nomographs is presented that graphically depicts the dependence of bioenhancement factor on physicochemical properties. Application of these nomographs is illustrated using data from a well-documented field site. Results suggest that this approach can successfully capture field-scale, as well as column-scale, behavior. Sensitivity analyses reveal that bioenhanced dissolution will critically depend on in-situ biomass concentrations.

Specification and Preliminary Validation of IAT (Integrated Analysis Techniques) Methods: Executive Summary.

DTIC Science & Technology

1985-03-01

conceptual framwork , and preliminary validation of IAT concepts. Planned work for FY85, including more extensive validation, is also described. 20...Developments: Required Capabilities .... ......... 10 2-1 IAT Conceptual Framework - FY85 (FEO) ..... ........... 11 2-2 Recursive Nature of Decomposition...approach: 1) Identify needs & requirements for IAT. 2) Develop IAT conceptual framework. 3) Validate IAT methods. 4) Develop applications materials. To

PRELIMINARY STUDIES ON THE USE OF POECILIID FISHES AS SENSITIVE BIOINDICATORS OF ENVIRONMENTAL ANDROGENS. (R826130)

EPA Science Inventory

The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Concl...

PRELIMINARY STUDIES ON THE USE OF POECILIID FISHES AS SENSITIVE BIOINDICATORS OF ENVIRONMENTAL ESTROGENS. (R826130)

EPA Science Inventory

The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Concl...

Preliminary results from field testing of alternative carbide edge snow plow blades.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2003-04-01

The Maine Department of Transportation uses almost 2,500 carbide cutting edges on its fleet of highway snow plow trucks : each winter. This represents almost 9,000 linear ft. of cutting edges and an annual expenditure of roughly $150,000 each winter ...

Preliminary Tests in the NACA Free-Spinning Wind Tunnel

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Zimmerman, C H

1937-01-01

Typical models and the testing technique used in the NACA free-spinning wind tunnel are described in detail. The results of tests on two models afford a comparison between the spinning characteristics of scale models in the tunnel and of the airplanes that they represent.

You Can't Get Much from Watching the Radio.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Litten, Larry H.

1988-01-01

Examined sources that students preferred for obtaining information on colleges by interviewing students who had taken the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test in 1983. Enrolled friends were most preferred source of basic information, followed by personal visits, published guides, and admission representatives. Also examined sources on…

An Instructional Satellite System for the United States: Preliminary Considerations.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

DuMolin, James R.; Morgan, Robert P.

Based on educational, social, political, and other considerations, an instructional satellite system, AVSIN (Ausio-Visual Satellite Instruction), is hypothesized which represents one possible organizational and administrative arrangement for delivering large amounts of quality software to schools and learning centers. The AVSIN system is conceived…

BENTHIC INVERTEBRATES OF LAKE YAZOO AND YAZOO RIVER: A PRELIMINARY REPORT. (R825513C027)

EPA Science Inventory

The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Concl...

A Preliminary Study of Mother's Socialization Practices as Related to Type of Maternal Employment.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reis, Janet

An exploratory study of working and nonworking mothers' teaching styles, attitudes toward child rearing, and attitudes toward work was conducted with 100 mothers of 7- and 10-year-old girls and boys. Forty-four of the mothers worked outside the home and 56 did not. Comparisons of self-reported attitudes toward child rearing showed working mothers…

Preliminary Findings from RULER Approach in Spanish Teachers' Emotional Intelligence and Work Engagement

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Castillo-Gualda, Ruth; García, Valme; Pena, Mario; Galán, Arturo; Brackett, Marc A.

2017-01-01

Introduction: The goal of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a socio-emotional learning program, RULER, on enhancing both the emotional intelligence and work-related outcomes in Spanish teachers. Measures included: Ability emotional intelligence, assessed by the Mayer-Salovey-Caruso Emotional Intelligence Test (MSCEIT) and work-related…

A Preliminary Data Model for Orbital Flight Dynamics in Shuttle Mission Control

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

ONeill, John; Shalin, Valerie L.

2000-01-01

The Orbital Flight Dynamics group in Shuttle Mission Control is investigating new user interfaces in a project called RIOTS [RIOTS 2000]. Traditionally, the individual functions of hardware and software guide the design of displays, which results in an aggregated, if not integrated interface. The human work system has then been designed and trained to navigate, operate and integrate the processors and displays. The aim of RIOTS is to reduce the cognitive demands of the flight controllers by redesigning the user interface to support the work of the flight controller. This document supports the RIOTS project by defining a preliminary data model for Orbital Flight Dynamics. Section 2 defines an information-centric perspective. An information-centric approach aims to reduce the cognitive workload of the flight controllers by reducing the need for manual integration of information across processors and displays. Section 3 describes the Orbital Flight Dynamics domain. Section 4 defines the preliminary data model for Orbital Flight Dynamics. Section 5 examines the implications of mapping the data model to Orbital Flight Dynamics current information systems. Two recurring patterns are identified in the Orbital Flight Dynamics work the iteration/rework cycle and the decision-making/information integration/mirroring role relationship. Section 6 identifies new requirements on Orbital Flight Dynamics work and makes recommendations based on changing the information environment, changing the implementation of the data model, and changing the two recurring patterns.

A preliminary theoretical line-blanketed model solar photosphere

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kurucz, R. L.

1974-01-01

In the theoretical approach to model-atmosphere construction, all opacities are computed theoretically and the temperature-pressure structure is determined by conservation of energy. Until recently, this has not been a very useful method for later type stars, because the line opacity was both poorly known and difficult to calculate. However, methods have now been developed that are capable of representing the line opacity well enough for construction of realistic models. A preliminary theoretical solar model is presented that produces closer agreement with observation than has been heretofore possible. The qualitative advantages and shortcomings of this model are discussued and projected improvements are outlined.

A case study of the influences of audience and purpose on the composing processes of an engineer

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Stalnaker, B. J.

1981-01-01

The design and preliminary findings of a study of composing processes (on the job) of engineers, managers, and scientists is presented. The influences of audience and purpose on the composing process of engineers was of concern; specifically, the cognitive processes, physical behaviors, and factors that influence the evoluton of a piece of writing. An overview of the study, related literature, outlines of research design, and preliminary findings from a case study of engineers are given. It is suggested that teaching be adapted to help students learn to represent rhetorical problems to guide composing for effective writing.

Health Canada and the Pharmaceutical Industry: A Preliminary Analysis of the Historical Relationship

PubMed Central

Lexchin, Joel

2013-01-01

In the past two decades, Health Canada has been accused of favouring the pharmaceutical industry over the public in areas of pharmaceutical policy. This orientation has been tied to the introduction of user fees by the industry in 1994 that help finance key aspects of drug regulation. This paper provides a preliminary examination of the history of the relationship starting in 1939 until the mid-1980s in an attempt to discern whether 1994 really represented a key turning point. Clientele pluralism, a theory that explains the relationship between the state and interest groups, is used to explain the nature of the events described. PMID:24359714

MICROFLORA INVOLVED IN PHYTOREMEDIATION OF POLYAROMATIC HYDROCARBONS

EPA Science Inventory

This research was accomplished by conducting a series of integrated studies starting with field work at contaminated sites, followed by laboratory studies based on the field work, and concluded with development of preliminary molecular monitoring methods tested on field sam...

Mirror Material Properties Compiled for Preliminary Design of the Next Generation Space Telescope (30 to 294 Kelvin)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Luz, P. L.; Rice, T.

1998-01-01

This technical memorandum reports on the mirror material properties that were compiled by NASA Marshall Space Flight Center (MSFC) from April 1996 to June 1997 for preliminary design of the Next Generation Space Telescope (NGST) Study. The NGST study began in February 1996, when the Program Development Directorate at NASA MSFC studied the feasibility of the NGST and developed the pre-phase A program for it. After finishing some initial studies and concepts development work on the NGST, MFSC's Program Development Directorate handed this work to the Observatory Projects Office at MSFC and then to NASA Goddard Space Flight Center (GSFC). This technical memorandum was written by MSFC's Preliminary Design Office and Materials and Processes Laboratory for the NGST Optical Telescope Assembly (OTA) team, in Support of NASA GSFC. It contains material properties for 9 mirror Substrate materials, using information from at least 6 industrial Suppliers, 16 textbooks, 44 technical papers, and 130 technical abstracts.

Vertical Transport by Coastal Mesoscale Convective Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Lombardo, K.; Kading, T.

2016-12-01

This work is part of an ongoing investigation of coastal mesoscale convective systems (MCSs), including changes in vertical transport of boundary layer air by storms moving from inland to offshore. The density of a storm's cold pool versus that of the offshore marine atmospheric boundary layer (MABL), in part, determines the ability of the storm to successfully cross the coast, the mechanism driving storm propagation, and the ability of the storm to lift air from the boundary layer aloft. The ability of an MCS to overturn boundary layer air can be especially important over the eastern US seaboard, where warm season coastal MCSs are relatively common and where large coastal population centers generate concentrated regions of pollution. Recent work numerically simulating idealized MCSs in a coastal environment has provided some insight into the physical mechanisms governing MCS coastal crossing success and the impact on vertical transport of boundary layer air. Storms are simulated using a cloud resolving model initialized with atmospheric conditions representative of a Mid-Atlantic environment. Simulations are run in 2-D at 250 m horizontal resolution with a vertical resolution stretched from 100 m in the boundary layer to 250 m aloft. The left half of the 800 km domain is configured to represent land, while the right half is assigned as water. Sensitivity experiments are conducted to quantify the influence of varying MABL structure on MCS coastal crossing success and air transport, with MABL values representative of those observed over the western Mid-Atlantic during warm season. Preliminary results indicate that when the density of the cold pool is much greater than the MABL, the storm successfully crosses the coastline, with lifting of surface parcels, which ascend through the troposphere. When the density of the cold pool is similar to that of the MABL, parcels within the MABL remain at low levels, though parcels above the MABL ascend through the troposphere.

Simulation of diurnal thermal energy storage systems: Preliminary results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Katipamula, S.; Somasundaram, S.; Williams, H. R.

1994-12-01

This report describes the results of a simulation of thermal energy storage (TES) integrated with a simple-cycle gas turbine cogeneration system. Integrating TES with cogeneration can serve the electrical and thermal loads independently while firing all fuel in the gas turbine. The detailed engineering and economic feasibility of diurnal TES systems integrated with cogeneration systems has been described in two previous PNL reports. The objective of this study was to lay the ground work for optimization of the TES system designs using a simulation tool called TRNSYS (TRaNsient SYstem Simulation). TRNSYS is a transient simulation program with a sequential-modular structure developed at the Solar Energy Laboratory, University of Wisconsin-Madison. The two TES systems selected for the base-case simulations were: (1) a one-tank storage model to represent the oil/rock TES system; and (2) a two-tank storage model to represent the molten nitrate salt TES system. Results of the study clearly indicate that an engineering optimization of the TES system using TRNSYS is possible. The one-tank stratified oil/rock storage model described here is a good starting point for parametric studies of a TES system. Further developments to the TRNSYS library of available models (economizer, evaporator, gas turbine, etc.) are recommended so that the phase-change processes is accurately treated.

Hazard identification and pre-map with a simple specific tool: synthesis of application experience in handicrafts in various productive sectors.

PubMed

Colombini, Daniela; Occhipinti, Enrico; Peluso, Raffaele; Montomoli, Loretta

2012-01-01

In August 2009, an international group was founded with the task of developing a "toolkit for MSD prevention" under the IEA and in collaboration with the World Health Organization.According to the ISO standard 11228 series and the new Draft ISO TR 12259 "Application document guides for the potential user", our group developed a preliminary "mapping" methodology of occupational hazards in the craft industry, supported by software (Excel®, free download on: www.epmresearch.org).The possible users of toolkits are: members of health and safety committees; health and safety representatives; line supervisors; foremen; workers; government representatives; health workers providing basic occupational health services; occupational health and safety specialists.The proposed methodology, using specific key enters and quick assessment criteria, allows a simple ergonomics hazards identification and risk estimation to be made. It is thus possible to decide for which occupational hazards a more exhaustive risk assessment will be necessary and which occupational consultant should be involved (occupational physician, safety engineer, industrial hygienist, etc.).The methodology has been applied in different situations of small and medium craftsmanship Italian enterprises: leather goods, food, technical dental work, production of artistic ceramics and stained glass, beekeeping activities. The results are synthetically reported and discussed in this paper.

Study of Adsorption and Flocculation Properties of Natural Clays to Remove Prorocentrum lima

PubMed Central

Louzao, Maria Carmen; Abal, Paula; Fernández, Diego A.; Vieytes, Mercedes R.; Legido, José Luis; Gómez, Carmen P.; Pais, Jesus; Botana, Luis M.

2015-01-01

High accumulations of phytoplankton species that produce toxins are referred to as harmful algal blooms (HABs). HABs represent one of the most important sources of contamination in marine environments, as well as a serious threat to public health, fisheries, aquaculture-based industries, and tourism. Therefore, methods effectively controlling HABs with minimal impact on marine ecology are required. Marine dinoflagellates of the genera Dinophysis and Prorocentrum are representative producers of okadaic acid (OA) and dinophysistoxins responsible for the diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP) which is a human intoxication caused by the consumption of shellfish that bioaccumulate those toxins. In this work we explore the use of natural clay for removing Prorocentrum lima. We evaluate the adsorption properties of clays in seawater containing the dinoflagellates. The experimental results confirmed the cell removal through the flocculation of algal and mineral particles leading to the formation of aggregates, which rapidly settle and further entrain cells during their descent. Moreover, the microscopy images of the samples enable one to observe the clays in aggregates of two or more cells where the mineral particles were bound to the outer membranes of the dinoflagellates. Therefore, this preliminary data offers promising results to use these clays for the mitigation of HABs. PMID:26426051

Applications of Artificial Neural Networks in Structural Engineering with Emphasis on Continuum Models

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Kapania, Rakesh K.; Liu, Youhua

1998-01-01

The use of continuum models for the analysis of discrete built-up complex aerospace structures is an attractive idea especially at the conceptual and preliminary design stages. But the diversity of available continuum models and hard-to-use qualities of these models have prevented them from finding wide applications. In this regard, Artificial Neural Networks (ANN or NN) may have a great potential as these networks are universal approximators that can realize any continuous mapping, and can provide general mechanisms for building models from data whose input-output relationship can be highly nonlinear. The ultimate aim of the present work is to be able to build high fidelity continuum models for complex aerospace structures using the ANN. As a first step, the concepts and features of ANN are familiarized through the MATLAB NN Toolbox by simulating some representative mapping examples, including some problems in structural engineering. Then some further aspects and lessons learned about the NN training are discussed, including the performances of Feed-Forward and Radial Basis Function NN when dealing with noise-polluted data and the technique of cross-validation. Finally, as an example of using NN in continuum models, a lattice structure with repeating cells is represented by a continuum beam whose properties are provided by neural networks.

Trace element and isotope studies in oxide/phosphate/silicate inclusions of iron meteorites

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Olsen, Edward J.

1996-01-01

Under the above grant research was funded in the following areas: 1. Pallasites: Rare earth element measurements in phosphates to determine if all pallasites fit into only two trace element groups. This work has been completed. 2. HIAB irons: To complete work on the only known silicate inclusion in a IIIAB iron meteorite. This work has been completed. 3. IIIAB irons: To continue the search for Cr-53 excesses in IIIAB iron meteorite phosphates. A part of this work has been completed 4. IIIAB irons: To complete the identification of the phosphate minerals in IIIAB iron meteorites and try to determine the phase relations and chemical history of trace element distributions during the core formation process. Work on this has been largely completed and preliminary results have been reported. The final work is being assessed prior to preparation of a manuscript for publication. 5. IIE irons: To complete work on the unique silicate assemblage in the IIE iron meteorite. Work on this was completed and a paper published. 6. Ungrouped irons: A partially devitrified silicate glass inclusion has been found in the ungrouped iron meteorite. Preliminary work on this has been reported. All the work on this has been now completed and a manuscript has been prepared and submitted for publication.

Learning to Teach through Teaching and Being Taught.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jordell, Karl Oyvind

1991-01-01

Preliminary assessments were made of decentralized and part-time teacher education programs, which represent alternate routes to teacher certification, to stimulate the supply of teachers in northern Norway. These first- and second-generation programs are being accepted, despite problems with multiple demands on students and supervision of teacher…

75 FR 10761 - Certain Coated Paper from Indonesia: Preliminary Affirmative Countervailing Duty Determination...

Federal Register 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014

2010-03-09

... Nancy Decker, regarding ``Ex- Parte Meeting with Counsel to Respondents'' (March 1, 2010). On February... at this ex parte meeting. On February 22, 2010, representatives of petitioners met with Department officials to discuss their scope comments. See Memorandum to the File from Nancy Decker, regarding ``Ex...

Morel species Mel-19 – preliminary report

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

This brief note represents the first report of the cosmopolitan Morchella sp. [Mel-19] in North America. Prior to the discovery of this morel in the Nearctic, it was previously only known to be from Central and Northern Europe and China. Collections from Newfoundland and Washington State were identi...

The effect of sight distance training on the visual scanning of motorcycle riders: a preliminary look : traffic tech.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2013-02-01

The scanning skills of a vehicle operator represent a key : parameter for hazard perception and effective vehicle operation. : Overriding ones sight distance, or not looking far : enough ahead down the roadway, may not leave a motorcycle : rider e...

Between Pregnancy and Motherhood: Identifying Unmet Mental Health Needs in Pregnant Women with Lifetime Adversity

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Narayan, Angela J.; Thomas, Melanie; Nau, Melissa; Rivera, Luisa M.; Harris, William W.; Bernstein, Rosemary E.; Castro, Gloria; Lieberman, Alicia F.; Gantt, Tahnee

2017-01-01

The prenatal period represents an opportunity to buffer the intergenerational transmission of adversity through integrated, comprehensive perinatal health services for women experiencing high levels of adversity and clinical symptoms. This article presents preliminary descriptive data, drawn from an ongoing clinical research study, on prenatal…

Biological Sciences Curriculum Study Newsletter Number 39, BSCS Biology: A World View.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Clark, George M.

Included are progress reports from forty-two countries, ranging from accounts of complete adaptation and implementation of Biological Sciences Curriculum Study (BSCS) materials to notes of preliminary contact with BSCS programs. Countries represented are: Afganistan, Argentina, Australia, Bolivia, Brazil, Canada, Central America, Ceylon, Chile,…

Professional Satisfaction of Teachers from Kindergarten. Preliminary Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Anghelache, Valerica

2014-01-01

Professional development is a topic of great interest for all those who are involved in educational field, makers and teachers. It's approached closely related to organizational development, both representing a result of continuous changes in education. At individual level, professional development has both an internal determination (a need to…

32 CFR 644.62 - Title evidence.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... representative must be authorized to pass on the sufficiency of the proposed deed to the United States; to give... deed or other instrument transferring title recorded at least 40 years prior to the date of the... title passes in a condemnation proceeding. The attorney preparing such preliminary or final certificate...

An EPG waveform library for sharpshooters and preliminary effects of applied voltage on behaviors controlling Xylella fastidiosa inoculation

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

Electropenetrography (EPG) waveforms represent electrical conductivity of fluids flowing through an insect’s mouthparts. Over the 50 years since its invention, EPG has undergone three major electronic transformations. The newest, third generation of electropenetrograph, the AC-DC EPG monitor, offers...

Climate change : preliminary observations on geoengineering science, federal efforts, and governance issues : testimony before the Committee on Science and Technology, House of Representatives.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

2010-03-18

Key scientific assessments have underscored the urgency of reducing emissions of carbon dioxide to help mitigate potentially negative effects of climate change; however, many countries with significant greenhouse gas emissions, including the United S...

Pilot Study of a School-Based Parent Training Program for Preschoolers with ASD

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ingersoll, Brooke R; Wainer, Allison L

2013-01-01

This study investigated the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness of a parenting training program designed for early intervention and early childhood special education (EI/ESCE) programs serving students with autistic spectrum disorders. Thirteen teachers representing three intermediate school districts implemented the intervention with 27…

ITS as a data resource : preliminary requirements for a user service

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1998-04-01

Because of the wide range of support among stakeholders represented at the ITS As a Data Resource Workshop, it has been determined that there is a need for a new User Service to be included in the National ITS Architecture: the Archived Data User Ser...

Energy-Related Activities in Two-Year Postsecondary Vocational-Technical Institutions: A Representative Sampling by State.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Crowell, Mayme R.

Described are results of a preliminary investigation of the status of energy education activities within two-year postsecondary educational institutions. The specific areas investigated were coal technology, petroleum technology, nuclear technology, solar energy, energy conservation, and energy generation and transmission. Information was gathered…

Highway Vehicle Retrofit Evaluation : Phase I. Analysis and Preliminary Evaluation Results. Volume 2. Sections 4 through 13 and Appendix.

DOT National Transportation Integrated Search

1975-11-01

More than 20 representative classes of retrofit devices/concepts/techniques, including more than 130 specific items, were examined in the course of the study. A major portion of the analysis effort was directed to the evaluation of 16 advanced, novel...

DIAGNOSIS OF TRACE PB IN DOMESTIC WELLS, UPPER GLOUCESTER CATCHMENT, MAINE

EPA Science Inventory

Dissolved Pb in 32 wells associated with corroding submersible pumps is examined within a rural water district after almost 20 years (1984 to 2002). Groundwater Pb ranged from 0.4 – 24.9 µg L^-1 after 24 hr pump flushing. Preliminary geochemistry and represent...

GREENHOUSE STUDY ON ARSENIC SPECIATION AND BIOAVAILABILITY IN TWO PESTICIDE-CONTAMINATED SOILS OF FLORIDA: PRELIMINARY RESULTS. (R830842)

EPA Science Inventory

The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Concl...

Preliminary Study of Disfluency in School-Aged Children with Autism

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Scaler Scott, Kathleen; Tetnowski, John A.; Flaitz, James R.; Yaruss, J. Scott

2014-01-01

Background: In recent years, there has been increased identification of disfluencies in individuals with autism, but limited examination of disfluencies in the school-age range of this population. We currently lack information about whether the disfluencies of children with autism represent concomitant stuttering, normal disfluency, excessive…

Preliminary control/structure interaction study of coupled Space Station Freedom/Assembly Work Platform/orbiter

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Singh, Sudeep K.; Lindenmoyer, Alan J.

1989-01-01

Results are presented from a preliminary control/structure interaction study of the Space Station, the Assembly Work Platform, and the STS orbiter dynamics coupled with the orbiter and station control systems. The first three Space Station assembly flight configurations and their finite element representations are illustrated. These configurations are compared in terms of control authority in each axis and propellant usage. The control systems design parameters during assembly are computed. Although the rigid body response was acceptable with the orbiter Primary Reaction Control System, the flexible body response showed large structural deflections and loads. It was found that severe control/structure interaction occurred if the stiffness of the Assembly Work Platform was equal to that of the station truss. Also, the response of the orbiter Vernier Reaction Control System to small changes in inertia properties is examined.

ECUT: Energy Conversion and Utilization Technologies program - Biocatalysis research activity

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilcox, R.

1984-01-01

The activities of the Biocatalysis Research Activity are organized into the Biocatalysis and Molecular Modeling work elements and a supporting planning and analysis function. In the Biocatalysis work element, progress is made in developing a method for stabilizing genetically engineered traits in microorganisms, refining a technique for monitoring cells that are genetically engineered, and identifying strains of fungi for highly efficient preprocessing of biomass for optimizing the efficiency of bioreactors. In the Molecular Modeling work element, a preliminary model of the behavior of enzymes is developed. A preliminary investigation of the potential for synthesizing enzymes for use in electrochemical processes is completed. Contact with industry and universities is made to define key biocatalysis technical issues and to broaden the range of potential participants in the activity. Analyses are conducted to identify and evaluate potential concepts for future research funding.

JacketSE: An Offshore Wind Turbine Jacket Sizing Tool; Theory Manual and Sample Usage with Preliminary Validation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Damiani, Rick

This manual summarizes the theory and preliminary verifications of the JacketSE module, which is an offshore jacket sizing tool that is part of the Wind-Plant Integrated System Design & Engineering Model toolbox. JacketSE is based on a finite-element formulation and on user-prescribed inputs and design standards' criteria (constraints). The physics are highly simplified, with a primary focus on satisfying ultimate limit states and modal performance requirements. Preliminary validation work included comparing industry data and verification against ANSYS, a commercial finite-element analysis package. The results are encouraging, and future improvements to the code are recommended in this manual.

Chapter F: Preliminary Bibliography of Lacustrine Diatomite Deposits in the Western United States and Related Topics

USGS Publications Warehouse

Bolm, Karen S.; Wallace, Alan R.; Moyle, Phillip R.; Bliss, James D.; Orris, Greta J.

2003-01-01

Introduction As part of the assessment of lacustrine diatomite resources in the Western United States (fig. 1), U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) project members conducted a review of literature relating to the formation, location, and nature of deposits in the study area. This preliminary bibliography consists of selected publications to identify, locate, and describe the deposits to be studied, to characterize common geologic factors about the deposits, and to better understand the factors that control their formation, preservation, or destruction. The bibliography also serves as a resource for other workers to research the topic. References included in the preliminary bibliography were gathered by searching existing bibliographic data bases and library collections. Project researchers also contributed references that they found during the course of their work. This bibliography should be considered a working document that will grow as research and literature searches continue. Clearly, many significant publications may be missing from this preliminary list; therefore, USGS staff members intend to issue a revised bibliography as project work progresses. To assure completeness, input from other researchers and industry is welcome. Although the focus of this bibliography is lacustrine diatomite deposits of the Western United States, additional references that provide a foundation of knowledge for the study of diatomites, diatoms, and diatom-related processes (ecology, geology, geochemistry) and for the uses and behavior of diatomite have also been included. An index of keywords has been added to this bibliography, designed to help the user locate reports by topic or by geographic location. The letter 'A' following a number indicates that the report referenced is an abstract.

NASA Hazard Analysis Process

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Deckert, George

2010-01-01

This viewgraph presentation reviews The NASA Hazard Analysis process. The contents include: 1) Significant Incidents and Close Calls in Human Spaceflight; 2) Subsystem Safety Engineering Through the Project Life Cycle; 3) The Risk Informed Design Process; 4) Types of NASA Hazard Analysis; 5) Preliminary Hazard Analysis (PHA); 6) Hazard Analysis Process; 7) Identify Hazardous Conditions; 8) Consider All Interfaces; 9) Work a Preliminary Hazard List; 10) NASA Generic Hazards List; and 11) Final Thoughts

Physics meets fine arts: a project-based learning path on infrared imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bonanno, A.; Bozzo, G.; Sapia, P.

2018-03-01

Infrared imaging represents a noninvasive tool for cultural heritage diagnostics, based on the capability of IR radiation to penetrate the most external layers of different objects (as for example paintings), revealing hidden features of artworks. From an educational viewpoint, this diagnostic technique offers teachers the opportunity to address manifold topics pertaining to the physics and technology of electromagnetic radiation, with particular emphasis on the nature of color and its physical correlates. Moreover, the topic provides interesting interdisciplinary bridges towards the human sciences. In this framework, we present a hands-on learning sequence, suitable for both high school students and university freshmen, inspired by the project-based learning (PBL) paradigm, designed and implemented in the context of an Italian national project aimed at offering students the opportunity to participate in educational activities within a real working context. In a preliminary test we involved a group of 23 high school students while they were working as apprentices in the Laboratory of Applied Physics for Cultural Heritage (ArcheoLab) at the University of Calabria. Consistently with the PBL paradigm, students were given well-defined practical goals to be achieved. As final goals they were asked (i) to construct and to test a low cost device (based on a disused commercial camera) appropriate for performing educational-grade IR investigations on paintings, and (ii) to prepare a device working as a simple spectrometer (recycling the optical components of a disused video projector), suitable for characterizing various light sources in order to identify the most appropriate for infrared imaging. The proposed learning path has shown (in the preliminary test) to be effective in fostering students’ interest towards physics and its technological applications, especially because pupils perceived the context (i.e. physics applied to the protection and restoration of cultural heritage) as relevant in relation to the cultural and productive specificities of their country. The learning sequence, originally designed for high school students in apprenticeship at the university, can be easily improved to make it appropriate for university freshmen.

Project WISH: The Emerald City

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Oz, Hayrani; Slonksnes, Linda (Editor); Rogers, James W. (Editor); Sherer, Scott E. (Editor); Strosky, Michelle A. (Editor); Szmerekovsky, Andrew G. (Editor); Klupar, G. Joseph (Editor)

1990-01-01

The preliminary design of a permanently manned autonomous space oasis (PEMASO), including its pertinent subsystems, was performed during the 1990 Winter and Spring quarters. The purpose for the space oasis was defined and the preliminary design work was started with emphasis placed on the study of orbital mechanics, power systems and propulsion systems. A rotating torus was selected as the preliminary configuration, and overall size, mass and location of some subsystems within the station were addressed. Computer software packages were utilized to determine station transfer parameters and thus the preliminary propulsion requirements. Power and propulsion systems were researched to determine feasible configurations and many conventional schemes were ruled out. Vehicle dynamics and control, mechanical and life support systems were also studied. For each subsystem studied, the next step in the design process to be performed during the continuation of the project was also addressed.

Innovations in Community-Based and Interdisciplinary Research: A Network Perspective on Innovation in Social Work Science

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rice, Eric; Petering, Robin; Stringfellow, Erin; Craddock, Jaih B.

2017-01-01

We present a preliminary theory of innovation in social work science. The focus of the piece is two case studies from our work that illustrate the social nature of innovations in the science of social work. This inductive theory focuses on a concept we refer to as transformative innovation, wherein two sets of individuals who possess different…

CHILD CARE ARRANGEMENTS OF THE NATION'S WORKING MOTHERS, 1965, A PRELIMINARY REPORT.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

BRITTAIN, CLAY; LOW, SETH

THE BUREAU OF CENSUS, USING ITS NATIONAL SAMPLE OF HOUSEHOLDS, SURVEYED CHILD CARE ARRANGEMENTS OF MOTHERS WHO HAD WORKED 27 WEEKS OR MORE DURING 1964 AND HAD AT LEAST ONE CHILD UNDER 14 YEARS OLD LIVING AT HOME. ONE-EIGHTH OF THE NATIONAL WORK FORCE WAS COMPOSED OF WORKING MOTHERS WITH CHILDREN UNDER 18. ONE-THIRD OF THE MOTHERS WITH CHILDREN…

Plasma asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) levels in Mexican women exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs): A preliminary study.

PubMed

Pruneda-Alvarez, Lucía G; Ruíz-Vera, Tania; Ochoa-Martínez, Angeles C; Pérez-Vázquez, Francisco J; González Palomo, Ana K; Ilizaliturri-Hernández, Cesar A; Pérez-Maldonado, Iván N

2016-12-01

Recent studies indicate that exposure to environmental pollutants (as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons) is a very important risk factor for development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Correspondingly, in recent times asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) has been proposed as a new and meaningful biomarker predictor for the risk of CVDs. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate plasma ADMA concentrations in Mexican women (n=155) exposed to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). Urinary 1-hydroxypyrene [(1-OHP), exposure biomarker for PAHs] levels were quantified using a high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) technique and plasma ADMA concentrations were analyzed using a commercially available ELISA kit. Urinary 1-OHP levels in all women assessed ranged from

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wang, Taiping; Yang, Zhaoqing

Increased eutrophication and degraded water quality in estuarine and coastal waters have been a worldwide environmental concern. While it is commonly accepted that anthropogenic impact plays a major role in many emerging water quality issues, natural conditions such as restricted water circulations controlled by geometry may also substantially contribute to unfavorable water quality in certain ecosystems. To elucidate the contributions from different factors, a hydrodynamic-water quality model that integrates both physical transport and pollutant loadings is particularly warranted. A preliminary modeling study using the Environmental Fluid Dynamic Code (EFDC) is conducted to investigate hydrodynamic circulation and low dissolved oxygen (DO)more » in Hood Canal, a representative fjord in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. Because the water quality modeling work is still ongoing, this paper focuses on the progress in hydrodynamic modeling component. The hydrodynamic model has been set up using the publicly available forcing data and was calibrated against field observations or NOAA predictions for tidal elevation, current, salinity and temperature. The calibrated model was also used to estimate physical transport timescales such as residence time in the estuary. The preliminary model results demonstrate that the EFDC Hood Canal model is capable of capturing the general circulation patterns in Hood Canal, including weak tidal current and strong vertical stratification. The long residence time (i.e., on the order of 100 days for the entire estuary) also indicates that restricted water circulation could contribute to low DO in the estuary and also makes the system especially susceptible to anthropogenic disturbance, such as excess nutrient input.« less

Preliminary assessment of a Cretaceous-Paleogene Atlantic passive margin, Serrania del Interior and Central Ranges, Venezuela/Trinidad

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Pindell, J.L.; Drake, C.L.; Pitman, W.C.

1991-03-01

For several decades, Cretaceous arc collision was assumed along northern Venezuela based on isotopic ages of metamorphic minerals. From subsidence histories in Venezuelan/Trinidadian basins, however, it is now clear that the Cretaceous metamorphic rocks were emplaced southeastward as allochthons above an autochthonous suite of rocks in the Cenozoic, and that the pre-Cenozoic autochthonous rocks represent a Mesozoic passive margin. The passive margin rocks have been metamorphosed separately during overthrusting by the allochthons in central Venezuela, but they are uplifted but not significantly metamorphosed in Eastern Venezuela and Trinidad. There, in the Serrania del Interior and Central Ranges of Venezuela/Trinidad, Mesozoic-Paleogenemore » passive margin sequences were uplifted in Neogene time, when the Caribbean Plate arrived from the west and transpressionally inverted the passive margin. Thus, this portion of South America's Atlantic margin subsided thermally without tectonism from Jurassic to Eocene time, and these sections comprise the only Mesozoic-Cenozoic truly passive Atlantic margin in the Western Hemisphere that is now exposed for direct study. Direct assessments of sedimentological, depositional and faunal features indicative of, and changes in, water depth for Cretaceous and Paleogene time may be made here relative to a thermally subsiding passive margin without the complications of tectonism. Work is underway, and preliminary assessments presented here suggest that sea level changes of Cretaceous-Paleogene time are not as pronounced as the frequent large and rapid sea level falls and rises that are promoted by some.« less

Partial Data Traces: Efficient Generation and Representation

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mueller, F; De Supinski, B R; McKee, S A

2001-08-20

Binary manipulation techniques are increasing in popularity. They support program transformations tailored toward certain program inputs, and these transformations have been shown to yield performance gains beyond the scope of static code optimizations without profile-directed feedback. They even deliver moderate gains in the presence of profile-guided optimizations. In addition, transformations can be performed on the entire executable, including library routines. This work focuses on program instrumentation, yet another application of binary manipulation. This paper reports preliminary results on generating partial data traces through dynamic binary rewriting. The contributions are threefold. First, a portable method for extracting precise data traces formore » partial executions of arbitrary applications is developed. Second, a set of hierarchical structures for compactly representing these accesses is developed. Third, an efficient online algorithm to detect regular accesses is introduced. The authors utilize dynamic binary rewriting to selectively collect partial address traces of regions within a program. This allows partial tracing of hot paths for only a short time during program execution in contrast to static rewriting techniques that lack hot path detection and also lack facilities to limit the duration of data collection. Preliminary results show reductions of three orders of a magnitude of inline instrumentation over a dual process approach involving context switching. They also report constant size representations for regular access patters in nested loops. These efforts are part of a larger project to counter the increasing gap between processor and main memory speeds by means of software optimization and hardware enhancements.« less

Preliminary Numerical Simulations of Nozzle Formation in the Host Rock of Supersonic Volcanic Jets

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wohletz, K. H.; Ogden, D. E.; Glatzmaier, G. A.

2006-12-01

Recognizing the difficulty in quantitatively predicting how a vent changes during an explosive eruption, Kieffer (Kieffer, S.W., Rev. Geophys. 27, 1989) developed the theory of fluid dynamic nozzles for volcanism, utilizing a highly developed predictive scheme used extensively in aerodynamics for design of jet and rocket nozzles. Kieffer's work shows that explosive eruptions involve flow from sub to supersonic conditions through the vent and that these conditions control the erosion of the vent to nozzle shapes and sizes that maximize mass flux. The question remains how to predict the failure and erosion of vent host rocks by a high-speed, multiphase, compressible fluid that represents an eruption column. Clearly, in order to have a quantitative model of vent dynamics one needs a robust computational method for a turbulent, compressible, multiphase fluid. Here we present preliminary simulations of fluid flowing from a high-pressure reservoir through an eroding conduit and into the atmosphere. The eruptive fluid is modeled as an ideal gas, the host rock as a simple incompressible fluid with sandstone properties. Although these simulations do not yet include the multiphase dynamics of the eruptive fluid or the solid mechanics of the host rock, the evolution of the host rock into a supersonic nozzle is clearly seen. Our simulations show shock fronts both above the conduit, where the gas has expanded into the atmosphere, and within the conduit itself, thereby influencing the dynamics of the jet decompression.

Preliminary construction of a service provider--informed domestic violence research agenda.

PubMed

Murray, Christine E; Welch, Metoka L

2010-12-01

This article presents the results of a statewide survey of domestic violence (DV) service providers that focused on the needs, background characteristics, and opinions of service providers related to research. The survey included an examination of service providers' motivation for working in the field, research background and training, and perceptions of research as well as the topics they believe are important for researchers to study, the resources they consult to learn about DV, and their suggestions to help researchers learn more about the nature of their work. The results are integrated into a preliminary agenda for future DV research that accounts for the needs and insight of service providers.

[A new psycho-dermatology clinic in Israel: our first year experience].

PubMed

Orion, Edith; Ben-Avi, Orit

2011-01-01

Psychodermatology involves the interrelationships between the skin and the mind, especially when considering the formation and evolution of certain common skin conditions. It appears that 30-40% of dermatology patients suffer from certain psychological problems as defined by the ICD-10, in a way that influences their disease severity and progression, as well as their quality of Life. Treatment of such cases requires a multi-disciplinary approach and should involve both a dermatologist and a mental health specialist working together In this article, the authors summarize the preliminary experience of the first year of the only psychodermatology clinic in Israel in several decades, work methods and patients' characteristics and preliminary conclusions.

29 CFR 778.320 - Hours that would not be hours worked if not paid for.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... spent in certain types of activities which would not be regarded as working time under the Act if no compensation were provided. Preliminary and postliminary activities and time spent in eating meals between... pertinent facts that the parties have agreed to treat such time as hours worked. Except for certain activity...

29 CFR 778.320 - Hours that would not be hours worked if not paid for.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-07-01

... spent in certain types of activities which would not be regarded as working time under the Act if no compensation were provided. Preliminary and postliminary activities and time spent in eating meals between... pertinent facts that the parties have agreed to treat such time as hours worked. Except for certain activity...

The assessment of seismic hazard for Gori, (Georgia) and preliminary studies of seismic microzonation

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gogoladze, Z.; Moscatelli, M.; Giallini, S.; Avalle, A.; Gventsadze, A.; Kvavadze, N.; Tsereteli, N.

2016-12-01

Seismic risk is a crucial issue for South Caucasus, which is the main gateway between Asia and Europe. The goal of this work is to propose new methods and criteria for defining an overall approach aimed at assessing and mitigating seismic risk in Georgia. In this reguard seismic microzonation represents a highly useful tool for seismic risk assessmentin land management, for design of buildings or structures and for emergency planning.Seismic microzonation assessment of local seismic hazard,which is a component of seismicity resulting from specific local characteristics which cause local amplification and soil instability, through identification of zones with seismically homogeneous behavior. This paper presents the results of preliminary study of seismic microzonation of Gori, Georgia. Gori is and is located in the Shida Kartli region and on both sides of Liachvi and Mtkvari rivers, with area of about 135 km2around the Gori fortress. Gori is located in Achara-Trialeti fold-thrust belt, that is tectonically unstable. Half of all earthquakes in Gori area with magnitude M≥3.5 have happened along this fault zone and on basis of damage caused by previous earthquakes, this territory show the highest level of risk (the maximum value of direct losses) in central part of the town. The seismic microzonation map of level 1 for Gori was carried out using: 1) Already available data (i.e., topographic map and boreholes data), 2) Results of new geological surveys and 3) Geophysical measurements (i.e., MASW and noise measurements processed with HVSR technique). Our preliminary results highlight the presence of both stable zones susceptible to local amplifications and unstable zones susceptible to geological instability. Our results are directed to establish set of actions aimed at risk mitigation before initial onset of emergency, and to management of the emergency once the seismic event has occurred. The products obtained, will contain the basic elements of an integrated system aimed at reducing risk and improving over all safety of people and infrastructure in Georgia.

[Temporary disability in operated spine patients. Preliminary report].

PubMed

Rodríguez-Cabrera, Rafael; Ruiz-García, Diana; Velázquez-Ramírez, Ismael

2013-01-01

The spinal injuries in workers have become a large scale health problem. The purpose of this study is to review the differences in the spine pathologies from incapacity to work, as well as factors that could alter the recovery time and the possibility of returning the patient to work. Statistical preliminary review study in 37 patients enrolled in the Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, workers, undertaken to spinal pathology surgery, comparing days of incapacity with proposed internationally, as well as his return to work. The results show that 37% of the patients studied are still active in the social security, 2 years after surgery. The days of disability generated by the pathology in this study group (212.3 days) are significantly higher than what is set on the Medical Disability Advisor (56 days, almost 4 times more). The study shows the need to develop the same analysis in other hospitals, comparing the proportion of cases that return to the work and total disability times for diagnostics.

Initial Process and Expected Outcomes for Preliminary Identification of Routes to Yucca Mountain, Nevada

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Thrower, A.; Best, R.; Finewood, L.

2008-07-01

The Department of Energy's (DOE's) Office of Civilian Radioactive Waste Management (OCRWM) is responsible for developing and implementing a safe, secure and efficient transportation system to ship spent nuclear fuel (SNF) and high-level radioactive waste (HLW) from commercial and DOE sites to the proposed Yucca Mountain repository. The Office of Logistics Management (OLM) within OCRWM has begun to work with stakeholders to identify preliminary national suites of highway and rail routes that could be used for future shipments OLM is striving to develop a planning-basis set of routes that will support long-lead time logistical analyses (i.e., five or more yearsmore » before shipment). The results will represent a starting point for discussions between DOE and corridor jurisdictions, and for shipping arrangements between DOE and carriers. This fulfills a recommendation of the National Academy of Sciences report on SNF and HLW transportation that 'DOE should identify and make public its suite of preferred highway and rail routes for transporting spent fuel and high level waste to a federal repository as soon as practicable to support State, Tribal and local planning, especially for emergency responder preparedness'. OLM encourages and supports participation of program stakeholders in a process to identify suites of national routes. The principal objective is to identify preliminary suites of national routes that reflect responsible consideration of the interests of a broad cross-section of stakeholders. This will facilitate transportation planning activities to help meet program goals, including providing an advanced planning framework for State and Tribal authorities; supporting a pilot program for providing funding under Section 180(c) of the Nuclear Waste Policy Act; allowing sufficient time for security and operational reviews in advance of shipments to Yucca Mountain; and supporting utility planning and readiness for transportation operations. Concepts for routing and routing criteria have been considered by several state regional groups supported by cooperative agreements with OLM. OCRWM is also working with other Federal agencies, transportation service providers and others involved in the transportation industry to ensure the criteria are consistent with operating practices and regulations. These coordination efforts will ensure the experience, knowledge, and expertise of those involved are considered in the process to identify the preliminary national suites of routes. This paper describes the current process and timeline for preliminary identification and analyses of routes. In conclusion: The path toward developing a safe, secure, and efficient transportation system for shipments of SNF and HLW to Yucca Mountain will require the participation of many interested parties. Real cooperative planning is sometimes challenging, and requires a commitment from all involved parties to act in good faith and to employ their best efforts in developing mutually beneficial solutions. Identifying routes to the proposed repository at Yucca Mountain, and engaging in planning and preparedness activities with affected jurisdictions and other stakeholders, will take time. OCRWM is committed to a cooperative approach that will ultimately enhance safety, security, efficiency and public confidence. (authors)« less

Work It Out Together: Preliminary Efficacy of a Parent and Adolescent DVD and Workbook Intervention on Adolescent Sexual and Substance Use Attitudes and Parenting Behaviors.

PubMed

Hadley, Wendy; Brown, L K; Barker, D; Warren, J; Weddington, P; Fortune, T; Juzang, I

2016-09-01

The purpose of the current study was to test an interactive DVD and workbook specifically designed for African-American parents and adolescents (ages 13-18), based on an efficacious face-to-face intervention, to address key factors associated with risk. A total of 170 parent-adolescent dyads were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive either the "Work It Out Together" DVD or a General Health Promotion DVD (HP). Parents and adolescents completed measures of HIV knowledge, self-efficacy, and parenting behaviors. Immediately after receiving the Work It Out Together intervention, parents and adolescents demonstrated higher HIV knowledge and greater HIV prevention self-efficacy. Three months after receiving the Work It Out Together intervention, parents and adolescents reported higher levels of parental monitoring and sexually active adolescents reported higher levels of condom use self-efficacy and a lower rate of recent sex. These outcomes provide preliminary evidence that the "Work It Out Together" DVD impacted individual attitudes and protective parenting behaviors.

The Acceptability and Potential Utility of Cognitive Training to Improve Working Memory in Persons Living With HIV: A Preliminary Randomized Trial.

PubMed

Towe, Sheri L; Patel, Puja; Meade, Christina S

HIV-associated neurocognitive impairments that impact daily function persist in the era of effective antiretroviral therapy. Cognitive training, a promising low-cost intervention, has been shown to improve neurocognitive functioning in some clinical populations. We tested the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of computerized cognitive training to improve working memory in persons living with HIV infection (PLWH) and working memory impairment. In this randomized clinical trial, we assigned 21 adult PLWH to either an experimental cognitive training intervention or an attention-matched control training intervention. Participants completed 12 training sessions across 10 weeks with assessments at baseline and post-training. Session attendance was excellent and participants rated the program positively. Participants in the experimental arm demonstrated improved working memory function over time; participants in the control arm showed no change. Our results suggest that cognitive training may be a promising intervention for working memory impairment in PLWH and should be evaluated further. Copyright © 2017 Association of Nurses in AIDS Care. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Work It Out Together: Preliminary Efficacy of a Parent and Adolescent DVD and Workbook Intervention on Adolescent Sexual and Substance Use Attitudes and Parenting Behaviors

PubMed Central

Brown, L. K.; Barker, D.; Warren, J.; Weddington, P.; Fortune, T.; Juzang, I.

2016-01-01

The purpose of the current study was to test an interactive DVD and workbook specifically designed for African-American parents and adolescents (ages 13–18), based on an efficacious face-to-face intervention, to address key factors associated with risk. A total of 170 parent-adolescent dyads were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive either the “Work It Out Together” DVD or a General Health Promotion DVD (HP). Parents and adolescents completed measures of HIV knowledge, self-efficacy, and parenting behaviors. Immediately after receiving the Work It Out Together intervention, parents and adolescents demonstrated higher HIV knowledge and greater HIV prevention self-efficacy. Three months after receiving the Work It Out Together intervention, parents and adolescents reported higher levels of parental monitoring and sexually active adolescents reported higher levels of condom use self-efficacy and a lower rate of recent sex. These outcomes provide preliminary evidence that the “Work It Out Together” DVD impacted individual attitudes and protective parenting behaviors. PMID:27155880

A Preliminary Study of the Spreading of AKD in the Presence of Capillary Structures.

PubMed

Shen, Wei; Parker, Ian H.

2001-08-01

There may be several mechanisms at work in the process of migration or redistribution of alkyl ketene dimers (AKD) on cellulose fiber surfaces during paper sizing and curing. This work is the second part of a continuing investigation of the spreading behavior of AKD on the surfaces of hydrophilic substrates. Paper sheets, single cotton, and cotton lint fibers and smooth cellulose film were used as substrates. These represent samples that have pores, V-shaped grooves, and no capillary structure at all. A very simple and effective testing method for studying the AKD migration behavior through these substrates was designed. AFM was used to study the surface capillary structures of cotton and cotton lint fibers. The results of this study provide hard evidence supporting our finding that capillary structures in the form of either interfiber pores in a paper sheet or V-shaped grooves on the surface of single fibers are essential in order for the spreading of molten AKD on a cellulose substrate to occur. Some preliminary results on the existence and the surface diffusion of an autophobic precursor of AKD are also presented. The results support the conclusion we reached in the first part of this investigation; i.e., the molten AKD wets but does not spread on smooth, capillary-free hydrophilic surfaces such as glass and cellulose. The driving force from interfacial energy alone does not cause spontaneous "flow-like" spreading of molten AKD on these surfaces. This is possibly associated with the formation of an autophobic precursor in front of an AKD droplet. The results in this study do not support the perception that molten AKD forms a single molecular layer on the surface of cellulose fibers by spreading during heat treatment, although the autophobic precursor in front of an AKD droplet could theoretically be of a monolayer thickness and the surface diffusion of this precursor may contribute to the sizing development after heat treatment. Copyright 2001 Academic Press.

The electrical structure of lithosphere beneath Northeast China —Preliminary results from SinoProbe-01-04

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hui, F.; Qing, Z.; Gengen, Q.; Fagen, P.; Dawei, B.; Baotun, G.; Jingqi, L.; Changwang, L.; Xiaochang, L.; Meixing, H.; Bingrui, D.

2012-12-01

Being constituted by the Seberia, Northern China fossil plate and Pacific Plate, the tectonics of Northeast China are very complicated. In order to study the electrical structure in these areas, the project SinoProbe-01-04 'Experimental study of 'standard monitoring network' of continental EM parameters in Northeast China' have established a 4°×4°regional MT array covering the whole Northeast China(Fig. 1). To make sure that MT data observed on each standard point representatively, a cross profile with the standard point being center and eight auxiliary measuring points around has been designed in practical work, and the same direction of the physical measuring point should have 20 km space, the observation time should be more than 120 hours in standard point and more than 24 hours in each auxiliary station. Both broadband MT equipment (V5-2000) and long-period MT equipment (LEMI-417M) have been used together in standard point, then the ultra-wideband electromagnetic signals at 320HZ-1/10000Hz can be acquired by combining the field data observed by each equipment. Eleven MT standard network control point with total 99 physical measuring points have been finished in 2010, then those works were repeated again in 2011 to make sure observed result reliable. Based on the observed result, this article preliminary analysis the electrical structure of each major tectonic element in Northeast China, which including the regularity of distribution of regional electrical spindle, the distribution characteristics of vertical conductivity, development status of the low resistivity layer in the crust, and the depth of the high conductivity layer in upper mantle. It has been founded that the electrical features of the major tectonic element in Northeast China are different and appear electrical-heterogeneous in cross direction. Fig.1 MT array observed site

Preliminary investigations into macroscopic attenuated total reflection-fourier transform infrared imaging of intact spherical domains: spatial resolution and image distortion.

PubMed

Everall, Neil J; Priestnall, Ian M; Clarke, Fiona; Jayes, Linda; Poulter, Graham; Coombs, David; George, Michael W

2009-03-01

This paper describes preliminary investigations into the spatial resolution of macro attenuated total reflection (ATR) Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) imaging and the distortions that arise when imaging intact, convex domains, using spheres as an extreme example. The competing effects of shallow evanescent wave penetration and blurring due to finite spatial resolution meant that spheres within the range 20-140 microm all appeared to be approximately the same size ( approximately 30-35 microm) when imaged with a numerical aperture (NA) of approximately 0.2. A very simple model was developed that predicted this extreme insensitivity to particle size. On the basis of these studies, it is anticipated that ATR imaging at this NA will be insensitive to the size of intact highly convex objects. A higher numerical aperture device should give a better estimate of the size of small spheres, owing to superior spatial resolution, but large spheres should still appear undersized due to the shallow sampling depth. An estimate of the point spread function (PSF) was required in order to develop and apply the model. The PSF was measured by imaging a sharp interface; assuming an Airy profile, the PSF width (distance from central maximum to first minimum) was estimated to be approximately 20 and 30 microm for IR bands at 1600 and 1000 cm(-1), respectively. This work has two significant limitations. First, underestimation of domain size only arises when imaging intact convex objects; if surfaces are prepared that randomly and representatively section through domains, the images can be analyzed to calculate parameters such as domain size, area, and volume. Second, the model ignores reflection and refraction and assumes weak absorption; hence, the predicted intensity profiles are not expected to be accurate; they merely give a rough estimate of the apparent sphere size. Much further work is required to place the field of quantitative ATR-FT-IR imaging on a sound basis.

Interferometric analysis of the ablation profile in refractive surgery

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Rodríguez-Rodríguez, M. I.; López-Olazagasti, E.; Rosales, M. A.; Ramírez-Zavaleta, G.; Cantú, R.; Tepichín, E.

2008-08-01

In ophthalmology, the laser excimer corneal surface ablation used to correct the refractive eye defects, such as myopia, astigmatism and hyperopia and, more recently, presbyopia is known as refractive surgery. Typically, the characterization of the corresponding technique, as well as the laser accuracy, is performed by analyzing standard ablation profiles made on PMMA (polymethylmethacrylate) plates. A drawback of this technique is that those plates do not necessarily represent the dimensions of the cornea during the ablation. On the other hand, due to the time varying process of the eye aberrations, the direct eye refractometric measurements can produce some errors. We report in this work the interferometric analysis of the ablation profile obtained with refractive surgery, applied directly on a contact lens. In this case, the resultant ablation profile might be closer to the real profile as well as time invariant. We use, as a reference, a similar contact lens without ablation. The preliminary results of the characterization of the corresponding ablation profile are also presented.

Dynamic research of masonry vault in a technical scale

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Golebiewski, Michal; Lubowiecka, Izabela; Kujawa, Marcin

2017-03-01

The paper presents preliminary results of dynamic tests of the masonry barrel vault in a technical scale. Experimental studies are intended to identify material properties of homogenized masonry vaults under dynamic loads. The aim of the work is to create numerical models to analyse vault's dynamic response to dynamic loads in a simplest and accurate way. The process of building the vault in a technical scale is presented in the paper. Furthermore a excitation of vibrations with an electrodynamic modal exciter placed on the vault, controlled by an arbitrary waveform function generator, is discussed. Finally paper presents trends in the research for homogenization algorithm enabling dynamic analysis of masonry vaults. Experimental results were compared with outcomes of so-called macromodels (macromodel of a brick masonry is a model in which masonry, i.e. a medium consisting of two different fractions - bricks and mortar, is represented by a homogenized, uniformed, material). Homogenization entail significant simplifications, nevertheless according to the authors, can be a useful approach in a static and dynamic analysis of masonry structures.

Computer-assisted identification and volumetric quantification of dynamic contrast enhancement in brain MRI: an interactive system

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Wu, Shandong; Avgeropoulos, Nicholas G.; Rippe, David J.

2013-03-01

We present a dedicated segmentation system for tumor identification and volumetric quantification in dynamic contrast brain magnetic resonance (MR) scans. Our goal is to offer a practically useful tool at the end of clinicians in order to boost volumetric tumor assessment. The system is designed to work in an interactive mode such that maximizes the integration of computing capacity and clinical intelligence. We demonstrate the main functions of the system in terms of its functional flow and conduct preliminary validation using a representative pilot dataset. The system is inexpensive, user-friendly, easy to deploy and integrate with picture archiving and communication systems (PACS), and possible to be open-source, which enable it to potentially serve as a useful assistant for radiologists and oncologists. It is anticipated that in the future the system can be integrated into clinical workflow so that become routine available to help clinicians make more objective interpretations of treatment interventions and natural history of disease to best advocate patient needs.

Results of preliminary reconnaissance trip to determine the presence of wetlands in wet forest habitats on the Island of Hawaii as part of the Hawaii Geothermal Project, October 1993

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Wakeley, J.S.; Sprecher, S.W.; Lichvar, R.

1994-02-25

In October 1993, the authors sampled soils, vegetation, and hydrology at eight sites representing a range of substrates, elevations, soil types, and plant community types within rainforest habitats on the Island of Hawaii. Their purpose was to determine whether any of these habitats were wetlands according to the 1987 Corps of Engineers Wetlands Delineation Manual. None of the rainforest habitats they sampled was wetland in its entirety. However, communities established on pahoehoe lava flows contained scattered wetlands in depressions and folds in the lava, where water could accumulate. Therefore, large construction projects, such as that associated with proposed geothermal energymore » development in the area, have the potential to impact a significant number and/or area of wetlands. To estimate those impacts more accurately, they present a supplementary scope of work and cost estimate for additional sampling in the proposed geothermal project area.« less

Volatile Organic Compounds in the Atmosphere of the Botanical Garden of the City of Rio de Janeiro: A Preliminary Study.

PubMed

da Silva, Cleyton Martins; Souza, Elaine Cesar C A; da Silva, Luane Lima; Oliveira, Rafael Lopes; Corrêa, Sergio Machado; Arbilla, Graciela

2016-11-01

Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) play a central role in atmospheric chemistry. In this work, VOCs in the Botanical Garden of Rio de Janeiro were determined using the TO-15 Method. The park occupies 1,370,000 m 2 in the southern area of the city and is next to the Tijuca Forest, which is considered the largest secondary urban forest in the world. The total VOC concentrations ranged from 43.52 to 168.75 µg m -3 , depending on the sampling site and dates. In terms of concentration isoprene represented 4 %-14 % of the total VOC masses. The results suggested that the differences in biomass, distance from the street and activities within the park affected the concentrations of VOCs. The ratios of isoprene/aromatic compounds were higher than those determined in other areas of the city, confirming that the atmosphere of this green area has the contribution of other sources. Kinetic and mechanistic reactivities were also evaluated.

Identifying potential sources of Sudan I contamination in Capsicum fruits over its growth period.

PubMed

Wu, Naiying; Gao, Wei; Zhou, Li; Lian, Yunhe; Li, Fengfei; Han, Wenjie

2015-04-15

Sudan dyes in spices are often assumed to arise from cross-contamination or malicious addition. Here, experiments were carried out to identify the potential source of Sudan I-IV in Capsicum fruits through investigation of their contents in native Capsicum tissues, soils and associated agronomic materials. Sudan II-IV was not detected in any of the tested samples. Sudan I was found in almost all samples except for the mulching film. Sudan I concentrations decreased from stems to leaves and then to fruits or roots. Sudan I levels in soils were significantly elevated by vegetation treatment. These results exclude the possibility of soil as the main source for Sudan I contamination in Capsicum fruits. Further study found out pesticide and fertilizer constitutes the major source of Sudan I contamination. This work represents a preliminary step for a detailed Sudan I assessment to support Capsicum management and protection in the studied region. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Irrigant flow within a prepared root canal using various flow rates: a Computational Fluid Dynamics study.

PubMed

Boutsioukis, C; Lambrianidis, T; Kastrinakis, E

2009-02-01

To study using computer simulation the effect of irrigant flow rate on the flow pattern within a prepared root canal, during final irrigation with a syringe and needle. Geometrical characteristics of a side-vented endodontic needle and clinically realistic flow rate values were obtained from previous and preliminary studies. A Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model was created using FLUENT 6.2 software. Calculations were carried out for five selected flow rates (0.02-0.79 mL sec(-1)) and velocity and turbulence quantities along the domain were evaluated. Irrigant replacement was limited to 1-1.5 mm apical to the needle tip for all flow rates tested. Low-Reynolds number turbulent flow was detected near the needle outlet. Irrigant flow rate affected significantly the flow pattern within the root canal. Irrigation needles should be placed to within 1 mm from working length to ensure fluid exchange. Turbulent flow of irrigant leads to more efficient irrigant replacement. CFD represents a powerful tool for the study of irrigation.

Amount and distribution of neustonic micro-plastic off the western Sardinian coast (Central-Western Mediterranean Sea).

PubMed

de Lucia, Giuseppe Andrea; Caliani, Ilaria; Marra, Stefano; Camedda, Andrea; Coppa, Stefania; Alcaro, Luigi; Campani, Tommaso; Giannetti, Matteo; Coppola, Daniele; Cicero, Anna Maria; Panti, Cristina; Baini, Matteo; Guerranti, Cristiana; Marsili, Letizia; Massaro, Giorgio; Fossi, Maria Cristina; Matiddi, Marco

2014-09-01

A plethora of different sampling methodologies has been used to document the presence of micro-plastic fragments in sea water. European Marine Strategy suggests to improve standard techniques to make future data comparable. We use Manta Trawl sampling technique to quantify abundance and distribution of micro-plastic fragments in Sardinian Sea (Western Mediterranean), and their relation with phthalates and organoclorine in the neustonic habitat. Our results highlight a quite high average plastic abundance value (0.15 items/m(3)), comparable to the levels detected in other areas of the Mediterranean. "Site" is the only factor that significantly explains the differences observed in micro-plastic densities. Contaminant levels show high spatial and temporal variation. In every station, HCB is the contaminant with the lowest concentration while PCBs shows the highest levels. This work, in line with Marine Strategy directives, represents a preliminary study for the analysis of plastic impact on marine environment of Sardinia. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A novel mechatronic system for measuring end-point stiffness: mechanical design and preliminary tests.

PubMed

Masia, L; Sandini, G; Morasso, P G

2011-01-01

Measuring arm stiffness is of great interest for many disciplines from biomechanics to medicine especially because modulation of impedance represents one of the main mechanism underlying control of movement and interaction with external environment. Previous works have proposed different methods to identify multijoint hand stiffness by using planar or even tridimensional haptic devices, but the associated computational burden makes them not easy to implement. We present a novel mechanism conceived for measuring multijoint planar stiffness by a single measurement and in a reduced execution time. A novel mechanical rotary device applies cyclic radial perturbation to human arm of a known displacement and the force is acquired by means of a 6-axes commercial load cell. The outcomes suggest that the system is not only reliable but allows obtaining a bi-dimensional estimation of arm stiffness in reduced amount of time and the results are comparable with those reported in previous researches. © 2011 IEEE

Application of a New Hybrid RANS/LES Modeling Paradigm to Compressible Flow

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Oliver, Todd; Pederson, Clark; Haering, Sigfried; Moser, Robert

2017-11-01

It is well-known that traditional hybrid RANS/LES modeling approaches suffer from a number of deficiencies. These deficiencies often stem from overly simplistic blending strategies based on scalar measures of turbulence length scale and grid resolution and from use of isotropic subgrid models in LES regions. A recently developed hybrid modeling approach has shown promise in overcoming these deficiencies in incompressible flows [Haering, 2015]. In the approach, RANS/LES blending is accomplished using a hybridization parameter that is governed by an additional model transport equation and is driven to achieve equilibrium between the resolved and unresolved turbulence for the given grid. Further, the model uses an tensor eddy viscosity that is formulated to represent the effects of anisotropic grid resolution on subgrid quantities. In this work, this modeling approach is extended to compressible flows and implemented in the compressible flow solver SU2 (http://su2.stanford.edu/). We discuss both modeling and implementation challenges and show preliminary results for compressible flow test cases with smooth wall separation.

Reforming of glucose and wood at the critical conditions of water

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Modell, M.

1977-01-01

Reforming of organics in aqueous solutions is being investigated as a potential waste treatment process. Earlier studies showed that glucose in water reacts to form a gaseous mixture of CO, H2, CH4, CO2, C2H6, and C2H4 in the vicinity of the critical conditions of water (374 C, 22 MPa). The earlier work has been extended to determine the effect of variations in temperature and feed concentration on the extent of gasification. The percent gasification decreases with increasing feed concentration, indicating an overall kinetic order less than unity. Surprisingly, the percent gasification decreases with increasing temperature. A number of preliminary experiments were conducted with maple sawdust feed, which was thought to be representative of complex organic wastes from paper and vegetable matter. Once again, no solid products were found under the critical conditions; the percent gasification ranged from 16 to 88 percent, depending on the feed composition and residence time.

The effect of uric acid on outdoor copper and bronze.

PubMed

Bernardi, E; Bowden, D J; Brimblecombe, P; Kenneally, H; Morselli, L

2009-03-15

Bird droppings are often quoted as a decay agent for outdoor goods, in particular buildings and statues. Undoubtedly, they represent one of the major causes of aesthetic damage on outdoor materials, but the real chemical damage they are able to induce, in particular on metals, is not so well studied. This work focused on the short term role of uric acid, the main constituent of bird urine, with respect to copper, which make such an important contribution to architectural elements of buildings and outdoor sculpture. Preliminary results of laboratory tests and analyses on real exposed samples showed that uric acid chemically affects copper and bronzes: the surface of the metal is modified and copper urates formed. Also natural patina, formed on statues and roof, react with uric acid, even if it seems to afford some protection toward bird droppings. In general, experimental results confirm that the potential chemical damage by bird droppings is significant when considering external cultural heritage such as statues, metal monuments and buildings with historic copper roofs.

Extension of sonic anemometry to high subsonic Mach number flows

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Otero, R.; Lowe, K. T.; Ng, W. F.

2017-03-01

In the literature, the application of sonic anemometry has been limited to low subsonic Mach number, near-incompressible flow conditions. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this paper represents the first time a sonic anemometry approach has been used to characterize flow velocity beyond Mach 0.3. Using a high speed jet, flow velocity was measured using a modified sonic anemometry technique in flow conditions up to Mach 0.83. A numerical study was conducted to identify the effects of microphone placement on the accuracy of the measured velocity. Based on estimated error strictly due to uncertainty in time-of-acoustic flight, a random error of +/- 4 m s-1 was identified for the configuration used in this experiment. Comparison with measurements from a Pitot probe indicated a velocity RMS error of +/- 9 m s-1. The discrepancy in error is attributed to a systematic error which may be calibrated out in future work. Overall, the experimental results from this preliminary study support the use of acoustics for high subsonic flow characterization.

Numerical modeling and simulation studies for the M4 adaptive mirror of the E-ELT

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carbillet, Marcel; Riccardi, Armando; Xompero, Marco

2012-07-01

We report in this paper on the progress of numerical modeling and simulation studies of the M4 adaptive mirror, a representative of the "adaptive secondary mirrors" technology, for the European Extremely Large Telescope (E-ELT). This is based on both dedicated routines and the existing code of the Software Package CADS. The points approached are basically the specific problems encountered with this particular type of voice-coil adaptive mirrors on the E-ELT: (*) the segmentation of the adaptive mirror, implying a fitting error due also to the edges of its six petals, as well as possible co-phasing problems to be evaluated in terms of interaction with the wavefront sensor (a pyramid here); (**) the necessary presence of "master" and "slave" actuators which management, in terms of wavefront reconstruction, implies to consider different strategies. The on-going work being performed for the two above points is described in details, and some preliminary results are given.

Recruit--An Ontology Based Information Retrieval System for Clinical Trials Recruitment.

PubMed

Patrão, Diogo F C; Oleynik, Michel; Massicano, Felipe; Morassi Sasso, Ariane

2015-01-01

Clinical trials are studies designed to assess whether a new intervention is better than the current alternatives. However, most of them fail to recruit participants on schedule. It is hard to use Electronic Health Record (EHR) data to find eligible patients, therefore studies rely on manual assessment, which is time consuming, inefficient and requires specialized training. In this work we describe the design and development of an information retrieval system with the objective of finding eligible patients for cancer trials. The Recruit system has been in use at A. C. Camargo Cancer Center since August/2014 and contains data from more than 500,000 patients and 9 databases. It uses ontologies to integrate data from several sources and represent medical knowledge, which helps enhance results. One can search both in structured data and inside free text reports. The preliminary quality assessments shows excellent recall rates. Recruit proved to be an useful tool for researchers and its modular design could be applied to other clinical conditions and hospitals.

Palæomagnetism of Hawaiian lava flows

USGS Publications Warehouse

Doell, Richard R.; Cox, Allan

1961-01-01

PALÆOMAGNETIC investigations of volcanic rocks extruded in various parts of the world during the past several million years have generally revealed a younger sequence of lava flows magnetized nearly parallel to the field of a theoretical geocentric axial dipole, underlain by a sequence of older flows with exactly the opposite direction of remanent magnetization. A 180-degree reversal of the geomagnetic field, occurring near the middle of the Pleistocene epoch, has been inferred by many workers from such results1–3. This is a preliminary report of an investigation of 755 oriented samples collected from 152 lava flows on the island of Hawaii, selected to represent as many stratigraphic horizons as possible. (Sampling details are indicated in Table 1.) This work was undertaken because Hawaii's numerous thick sequences of lava flows, previously mapped as Pliocene to Historic by Stearns and Macdonald4, and afterwards assigned ages ranging from later Tertiary to Recent, by Macdonald and Davis5, appeared to offer an ideal opportunity to examine the most recent reversal of Earth's field.

Axisymmetric capillary-gravity waves at the interface of two viscous, immiscible fluids - Initial value problem

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Farsoiya, Palas Kumar; Dasgupta, Ratul

2017-11-01

When the interface between two radially unbounded, viscous fluids lying vertically in a stable configuration (denser fluid below) at rest, is perturbed, radially propagating capillary-gravity waves are formed which damp out with time. We study this process analytically using a recently developed linearised theory. For small amplitude initial perturbations, the analytical solution to the initial value problem, represented as a linear superposition of Bessel modes at time t = 0 , is found to agree very well with results obtained from direct numerical simulations of the Navier-Stokes equations, for a range of initial conditions. Our study extends the earlier work by John W. Miles who studied this initial value problem analytically, taking into account, a single viscous fluid only. Implications of this study for the mechanistic understanding of droplet impact into a deep pool, will be discussed. Some preliminary, qualitative comparison with experiments will also be presented. We thank SERB Dept. Science & Technology, Govt. of India, Grant No. EMR/2016/000830 for financial support.

LDEF: 69 Months in Space. First Post-Retrieval Symposium, part 1

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Levine, Arlene S. (Editor)

1992-01-01

A compilation of papers from the symposium is presented. The papers represent the preliminary data analysis of the 57 experiments flown on the Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF). The experiments include materials, coatings, thermal systems, power and propulsion, science (cosmic ray, interstellar gas, heavy ions, and micrometeoroids), electronics, optics, and life sciences.

Groundstory vegetation response to different thinning intensities in a minor stream bottom in Mississippi: a preliminary analysis

Treesearch

Brent R. Frey; Ellen M. Boerger

2015-01-01

Groundstory vegetation typically accounts for the greatest proportion of plant diversity in temperate forests, representing a critical structural component and mediating numerous ecosystem processes, including tree regeneration. The effects of thinning on groundstory vegetation have received limited study in bottomland hardwood stands. This study investigated...

46 CFR Appendix E to Subpart C to... - Respirator Fit Tests

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... provides the most comfortable fit. Each respirator represents a different size and shape and, if fitted and... only a preliminary review and must not constitute the subject's formal training on respirator use. (c... projects under the facepiece or otherwise interferes with a satisfactory fit must be altered or removed. (j...

46 CFR Appendix E to Subpart C to... - Respirator Fit Tests

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... provides the most comfortable fit. Each respirator represents a different size and shape and, if fitted and... only a preliminary review and must not constitute the subject's formal training on respirator use. (c... projects under the facepiece or otherwise interferes with a satisfactory fit must be altered or removed. (j...

Short Animation Movies as Advance Organizers in Physics Teaching: A Preliminary Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Koscianski, Andre; Ribeiro, Rafael Joao; da Silva, Sani Carvalho Rutz

2012-01-01

Background: Advance organizers are instructional materials that help students use previous knowledge to make links with new information. Short animation movies are a possible format and are well suited for physics, as they can portray dynamic phenomena and represent abstract concepts. Purpose: The study aimed to determine guidelines for the…

A PRELIMINARY APPROACH TO CHARACTERIZING VARIABILITY AND UNCERTAINTY IN THE MAMMALIAN PCDD/F AND PCB TEFS

EPA Science Inventory

The current toxic equivalency factors (TEFs) for PCDD/Fs and "dioxin-like" PCBs represent consensus-based values that were recommended by an international panel of experts convened by the World Health Organization (WHO) in June of 19971. As a part of the development of the mamma...

Audiovisual Records in the National Archives Relating to Black History. Preliminary Draft.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Waffen, Leslie; And Others

A representative selection of the National Archives and Records Services' audiovisual collection relating to black history is presented. The intention is not to provide an exhaustive survey, but rather to indicate the breadth and scope of materials available for study and to suggest areas for concentrated research. The materials include sound…

Center for Collegiate Mental Health (CCMH) 2009 Pilot Study: Executive Summary. Publication No. STA 09-160 MPC105808

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Center for Collegiate Mental Health, 2009

2009-01-01

The Center for Collegiate Mental Health (CCMH) represents a collaborative, multi-disciplinary effort combining the expertise of mental health treatment providers, psychological researchers, industry, and information sciences and technology. This report outlines a preliminary effort to describe the range of information on college student mental…

She Has Great Spirit: Insight into Relationships between American Indian Dads and Daughters

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Reinhardt, Martin James; Perry Evenstad, Jan; Faircloth, Susan

2012-01-01

Data from this preliminary study, the American Indian--Dads and Daughters Survey, shed light on how American Indian fathers think and feel about their relationships with their daughters. Respondents represent an array of tribal affiliations, age, occupations, socioeconomic status, and geographical/geopolitical locations, helping to ensure that…

Development of rapid methods for measuring stream ecosystem functions in the Appalachian coal mining region: preliminary results

EPA Science Inventory

Headwater streams represent the majority of U.S. stream miles. As a consequence of being abundant and widespread, the alteration and loss of headwater streams may have impacts on downstream waterbodies. These streams are frequently the subject of proposed dredge and fill projects...

School Microware: A Directory of Educational Software. Over 500 Programs/Packages for APPLE, PET, TRS-80.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Dresden Associates, Dresden, ME.

This preliminary directory represents the offerings of 45 software suppliers and information about instructional software currently available for three microcomputers widely used in schools. It is geared towards a wide variety of users including school planners contemplating microcomputer acquisition, teachers planning courses and curricula, media…

THE PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION OF MEDIA SERVICE PERSONNEL, PRELIMINARY EDITION.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

COGAN, MORRIS L.; AND OTHERS

THIS REPORT BROUGHT TOGETHER FIVE PAPERS BY VARIOUS NATIONALLY KNOWN LEADERS IN THE FIELD OF EDUCATIONAL MEDIA. THE PURPOSE OF THIS PUBLICATION WAS TO REVIEW MAJOR CAREER PATHS IN THE EDUCATIONAL MEDIA FIELD. THE REPORT COVERED DEGREES OF DIFFERENCES WHICH EXIST CURRENTLY AS WELL AS THE COMMONALITY OF LEARNING REQUIREMENTS REPRESENTED AMONG THE…

Teaching Group Work with "The Great Debaters"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Moe, Jeffry; Autry, Linda; Olson, Joann S.; Johnson, Kaprea F.

2014-01-01

An experiential learning activity, based on the film "The Great Debaters" (Washington, D., 2007), was used during a group work class. Description and preliminary evaluation of the activity is provided, including analysis of participant scores on the group leader self-efficacy instrument at multiple points. Implications and future…

Application of the generalized reduced gradient method to conceptual aircraft design

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Gabriele, G. A.

1984-01-01

The complete aircraft design process can be broken into three phases of increasing depth: conceptual design, preliminary design, and detail design. Conceptual design consists primarily of developing general arrangements and selecting the configuration that optimally satisfies all mission requirements. The result of the conceptual phase is a conceptual baseline configuration that serves as the starting point for the preliminary design phase. The conceptual design of an aircraft involves a complex trade-off of many independent variables that must be investigated before deciding upon the basic configuration. Some of these variables are discrete (number of engines), some represent different configurations (canard vs conventional tail) and some may represent incorporation of new technologies (aluminum vs composite materials). At Lockheed-Georgia, the sizing program is known as GASP (Generalized Aircraft Sizing Program). GASP is a large program containing analysis modules covering the many different disciplines involved fin defining the aricraft, such as aerodynamics, structures, stability and control, mission performance, and cost. These analysis modules provide first-level estimates the aircraft properties that are derived from handbook, experimental, and historical sources.

[A preliminary mapping methodology for occupational hazards and biomechanical risk evaluation: presentation of a simple, computerized tool kit for ergonomic hazards identification and risk assessment].

PubMed

Colombini, Daniela; Occhipinti, E; Di Leone, G

2011-01-01

During the last Congress of the International Ergonomics Association (IEA), Beijing, August 2009, an international group was founded with the task of developing a "toolkit for MSD prevention" under the IEA and in collaboration with the World Health Organization. The possible users of toolkits are: members of health and safety committees; health and safety representatives; line supervisors; foremen; workers; government representatives; health workers providing basic occupational health services; occupational health and safety specialists. According to the ISO standard 11228 series and the new Draft CD ISO 12259-2009: Application document guides for the potential user, our group developed a preliminary "mapping" methodology of occupational hazards in the craft industry, supported by software (Excel). The proposed methodology, using specific key enters and quick assessment criteria, allows a simple ergonomics hazards identification and risk estimation to be made. It is thus possible to decide for which occupational hazards a more exhaustive risk assessment will be necessary and which occupational consultant should be involved (occupational physician, safety engineer, industrial hygienist, etc.).

Can Geostatistical Models Represent Nature's Variability? An Analysis Using Flume Experiments

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Scheidt, C.; Fernandes, A. M.; Paola, C.; Caers, J.

2015-12-01

The lack of understanding in the Earth's geological and physical processes governing sediment deposition render subsurface modeling subject to large uncertainty. Geostatistics is often used to model uncertainty because of its capability to stochastically generate spatially varying realizations of the subsurface. These methods can generate a range of realizations of a given pattern - but how representative are these of the full natural variability? And how can we identify the minimum set of images that represent this natural variability? Here we use this minimum set to define the geostatistical prior model: a set of training images that represent the range of patterns generated by autogenic variability in the sedimentary environment under study. The proper definition of the prior model is essential in capturing the variability of the depositional patterns. This work starts with a set of overhead images from an experimental basin that showed ongoing autogenic variability. We use the images to analyze the essential characteristics of this suite of patterns. In particular, our goal is to define a prior model (a minimal set of selected training images) such that geostatistical algorithms, when applied to this set, can reproduce the full measured variability. A necessary prerequisite is to define a measure of variability. In this study, we measure variability using a dissimilarity distance between the images. The distance indicates whether two snapshots contain similar depositional patterns. To reproduce the variability in the images, we apply an MPS algorithm to the set of selected snapshots of the sedimentary basin that serve as training images. The training images are chosen from among the initial set by using the distance measure to ensure that only dissimilar images are chosen. Preliminary investigations show that MPS can reproduce fairly accurately the natural variability of the experimental depositional system. Furthermore, the selected training images provide process information. They fall into three basic patterns: a channelized end member, a sheet flow end member, and one intermediate case. These represent the continuum between autogenic bypass or erosion, and net deposition.

Preliminary results of investigations into the use of artificial neural networks for discriminating gas chromatograph mass spectra of remote samples

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Geller, Harold A.; Norris, Eugene; Warnock, Archibald, III

1991-01-01

Neural networks trained using mass spectra data from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) are studied. The investigations also included sample data from the gas chromatograph mass spectrometer (GCMS) instrument aboard the Viking Lander, obtained from the National Space Science Data Center. The work performed to data and the preliminary results from the training and testing of neural networks are described. These preliminary results are presented for the purpose of determining the viability of applying artificial neural networks in discriminating mass spectra samples from remote instrumentation such as the Mars Rover Sample Return Mission and the Cassini Probe.

Final definition and preliminary design study for the initial atmospheric cloud physics laboratory, a Spacelab mission payload

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1976-01-01

The following areas related to the final definition and preliminary design study of the initial atmospheric cloud physics laboratory (ACPL) were covered: (1) proposal organization, personnel, schedule, and project management, (2) proposed configurations, (3) study objectives, (4) ACPL experiment program listing and description, (5) mission/flight flexibility and modularity/commonality, (6) study plan, and (7) description of following tasks: requirement analysis and definition task flow, systems analysis and trade studies, subsystem analysis and trade studies, specifications and interface control documents, preliminary design task flow, work breakdown structure, programmatic analysis and planning, and project costs. Finally, an overview of the scientific requirements was presented.

Maternal Attitudes toward Mother-Child Separation: Working and Nonworking Mothers of School-Age Children.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Koplik, Elissa K.; Fisher, Celia B.

Exploring possible similarities and differences between mothers who work outside the home and mothers who do not, this study provides a preliminary investigation of maternal reactions to mother-child separation when children have reached school age. A total of 41 women working outside the home and 48 mothers staying at home responded to a…

Developing Social Work Professional Judgment Skills: Enhancing Learning in Practice by Researching Learning in Practice

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rawles, Joanna

2016-01-01

The aims of this article are twofold: to discuss the value of practice-based research as a basis for enhancing learning and teaching in social work and, as an illustration of this, to present the findings of a preliminary qualitative research study into social work students' development of professional judgment skills. The research was conducted…

Educational Reforms and Implications on Teachers' World of Work: Perspectives of Fijian Primary Teachers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lingam, Govinda; Lingam, Narsamma; Sharma, Lalesh

2017-01-01

This preliminary study reports on educational changes and its impact on primary teachers' world of work in Fiji. Data were gathered from 38 primary teachers, using a questionnaire of Likert scale items and open-ended questions aiming to identify the intensity of the changes that have occurred in their work. The data analysis reveals the…

Coconut Water

MedlinePlus

... before exercise to prevent dehydration. Coconut water might work better than drinking plain water, but results are still preliminary. Exercise performance. Some athletes use coconut water to replace fluids ...

[The relationship of work-related psychosocial risk factors with depressive symptoms among Hungarian workers: preliminary results of the Hungarian Work Stress Survey].

PubMed

Nistor, Katalin; Nistor, Anikó; Ádám, Szilvia; Szabó, Anita; Konkolÿ Thege, Barna; Stauder, Adrienne

2015-03-01

Research has shown that psychosocial stress acts as a risk factor for mental disorders. The present study aims at processing the preliminary results of the Hungarian Survey of Work Stress, concerning the relationship between depressive symptoms and work stress. Cross-sectional survey among Hungarian workers was carried out (n = 1058, 27.5% man, 72.5% woman, age 37.2 years, SD = 11 years). Psychosocial factors were measured using the COPSOQ II questionnaire, while BDI-9 was used for the assessment of depressive symptoms. Statistical analysis was carried out applying Spearman's correlation and logistic regression. A quarter of the workers reported moderate or severe symptoms of depression (BDI≥19). The study confirmed the association between depressive symptoms and work-family conflict (OR = 2.21, CI: 1.82-2.68), possibilities for development (OR = 0.76, CI: 0.59-0.97) meaning of work (OR = 0.69, CI: 0.59-0.89) and commitment (OR = 0.60, CI: 0.47-0.78). The results point toward the need of such organizational measures that allow for the reduction of psychosocial stress.

Oncosurgical Management of Liver Limited Stage IV Colorectal Cancer: Preliminary Data and Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial.

PubMed

Sutton, Paul; Vimalachandran, Dale; Poston, Graeme; Fenwick, Stephen; Malik, Hassan

2018-05-09

Colorectal cancer is the fourth commonest cancer and second commonest cause of cancer-related death in the United Kingdom. Almost 15% of patients have metastases on presentation. An increasing number of surgical strategies and better neoadjuvant treatment options are responsible for more patients undergoing resection of liver metastases, with prolonged survival in a select group of patients who present with synchronous disease. It is clear that the optimal strategy for the management of these patients remains unclear, and there is certainly a complete absence of Level 1 evidence in the literature. The objective of this study is to undertake preliminary work and devise an outline trial protocol to inform the future development of clinical studies to investigate the management of patients with liver limited stage IV colorectal cancer. We have undertaken some preliminary work and begun the process of designing a randomized controlled trial and present a draft trial protocol here. This study is at the protocol development stage only, and as such no results are available. There is no funding in place for this study, and no anticipated start date. We have presented preliminary work and an outline trial protocol which we anticipate will inform the future development of clinical studies to investigate the management of patients with liver limited stage IV colorectal cancer. We do not believe that the trial we have designed will answer the most significant clinical questions, nor that it is feasible to be delivered within the United Kingdom's National Health Service at this current time. ©Paul Sutton, Dale Vimalachandran, Graeme Poston, Stephen Fenwick, Hassan Malik. Originally published in JMIR Research Protocols (http://www.researchprotocols.org), 09.05.2018.

Preliminary study of silica aerogel as a gas-equivalent material in ionization chambers

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Caresana, M.; Zorloni, G.

2017-12-01

Since about two decades, a renewed interest on aerogels has risen. These peculiar materials show fairly unique properties. Thus, they are under investigation for both scientific and commercial purposes and new optimized production processes are studied. In this work, the possibility of using aerogel in the field of radiation detection is explored. The idea is to substitute the gas filling in a ionization chamber with the aerogel. The material possesses a density about 100 times greater than ambient pressure air. Where as the open-pore structure should allow the charge carriers to move freely. Small hydrophobic silica aerogel samples were studied. A custom ionization chamber, capable of working both with aerogel or in the classic gas set up, was built. The response of the chamber in current mode was investigated using an X-ray tube. The results obtained showed, under proper conditions, an enhancement of about 60 times of the current signal in the aerogel configuration with respect to the classic gas one. Moreover, some unusual behaviours were observed, i.e. time inertia of the signal and super-/sub-linear current response with respect to the dose rate. While testing high electric fields, aerogel configuration seemed to enhance the Townsend's effects. In order to represent the observed trends, a trapping-detrapping model is proposed, which is capable to predict semi-empirically the steady state currents measured. The time evolution of the signal is semi-quantitatively represented by the same model. The coefficients estimated by the fits are in agreement with similar trapping problems in the literature. In particular, a direct comparison between the benchmark of the FET silica gates and aerogel case endorses the idea that the same type of phenomenon occurs in the studied case.

Assessing the skill of seasonal meteorological forecast products for predicting droughts and water scarcity in highly regulated basins

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Squeri, Marika; Giuliani, Matteo; Castelletti, Andrea; Pulido-Velazquez, Manuel; Marcos-Garcia, Patricia; Macian-Sorribes, Hector

2017-04-01

Drought and water scarcity are important issues in Southern Europe and many predictions suggest that their frequency and severity will increase over the next years, potentially leading to negative environmental and socio-economic impacts. This work focuses on the Jucar river basin, located in the hinterland of Valencia (Eastern Spain), which is historically affected by long and severe dry periods that negatively impact several economic sectors, with irrigated agriculture representing the main consumptive demand in the basin (79%). Monitoring drought and water scarcity is crucial to activate timely drought management strategies in the basin. However, most traditional drought indexes fail in detecting critical events due to the large presence of human regulation supporting the irrigated agriculture. Over the last 20 years, a sophisticated drought monitoring system has been set up to properly capture the status of the catchment by means of the state index, a weighted linear combination of twelve indicators that depends on observations of precipitation, streamflow, reservoirs' storages and groundwater levels in representative locations at the basin. In this work, we explore the possibility of predicting the state index, which is currently used only as a monitoring tool, in order to prompt anticipatory actions before the drought/water scarcity event starts. In particular, we test the forecasting skill of retrospective seasonal meteorological predictions from the European Centre for Medium-range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) System 4. The 7-months lead time of these products allows predicting in February the values of the state index until September, thus covering the entire agricultural season. Preliminary results suggest that the Sys4-ECMWF products are skillful in predicting the state index, potentially supporting the design of anticipatory drought management actions.

Preliminary test results from a free-piston Stirling engine technology demonstration program to support advanced radioisotope space power applications

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

White, Maurice A.; Qiu, Songgang; Augenblick, Jack E.

2000-01-01

Free-piston Stirling engines offer a relatively mature, proven, long-life technology that is well-suited for advanced, high-efficiency radioisotope space power systems. Contracts from DOE and NASA are being conducted by Stirling Technology Company (STC) for the purpose of demonstrating the Stirling technology in a configuration and power level that is representative of an eventual space power system. The long-term objective is to develop a power system with an efficiency exceeding 20% that can function with a high degree of reliability for up to 15 years on deep space missions. The current technology demonstration convertors (TDC's) are completing shakedown testing and have recently demonstrated performance levels that are virtually identical to projections made during the preliminary design phase. This paper describes preliminary test results for power output, efficiency, and vibration levels. These early results demonstrate the ability of the free-piston Stirling technology to exceed objectives by approximately quadrupling the efficiency of conventional radioisotope thermoelectric generators (RTG's). .

Preliminary experimental investigation of a Ku-band radial line oscillator based on transition radiation effect

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Dang, Fangchao, E-mail: dangfangchao@sina.com; Zhang, Xiaoping; Zhong, Huihuang

2015-09-15

A Ku-band radial line oscillator (RLO) with low guiding magnetic field was proposed in our previous work. In order to weaken the impedance mismatch between the oscillator and an intense electron accelerator with higher impedance, a transverse electromagnetic reflector is added to improve the RLO, which is favorable to increase the Q-factor and accelerate the device saturation. A preliminary experiment is carried out to investigate the performance of the improved RLO. The radial-radiated electron beam is restrained well under the designed guiding magnetic field of 0.52 T. The preliminary experimental results indicates that high power microwaves with a power of 120 MWmore » and a frequency of 14.12 GHz are generated when the diode voltage is 420 kV and the beam current 14.2 kA. The experimental results suggest the feasibility of the presented RLO generating high power microwaves at a high frequency band. Additionally, more work is needed regarding promotion of the electron beam quality and the impedance match between the electron beam accelerator and the oscillator.« less

Theorising On-Site Teacher Education: Philosophical Project Knowledge (PPK)

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Arnold, Julie; Edwards, Tony; Hooley, Neil; Williams, Jo

2012-01-01

Working within the general framework of Habermas and Shulman, the research reported here probes new directions of teacher education and school-university partnerships. The paper presents preliminary evidence of the theorising of teaching practice by pre-service teachers and university staff as they work together with the praxis inquiry protocol…

Literacy, Welfare & Work: Preliminary Study.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smith, Janet

The relationship between literacy, welfare, and work was examined in an exploratory study that included a literature review and focus group interviews with a total of 17 literacy instructors and 10 literacy students from two locations in Manitoba: Winnipeg and Brandon with the rural area surrounding it. Particular attention was paid to the…

Anxiety of Preservice Teachers Teaching Students with Disabilities: A Preliminary Investigation

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Everhart, Brett

2009-01-01

Preservice teachers have indicated that they are somewhat less comfortable working with students with disabilities. Research shows that curricular modifications in teacher education programs would enable preservice teachers to be more prepared for classrooms that include students with disabilities. Much of the work in teacher education dealing…

40 CFR 35.917-1 - Content of facilities plan.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2014 CFR

2014-07-01

... ASSISTANCE STATE AND LOCAL ASSISTANCE Grants for Construction of Treatment Works-Clean Water Act § 35.917-1... construction drawings and specifications are to be prepared. This description shall include preliminary engineering data, cost estimates for design and construction of the treatment works, and a schedule for...

32 CFR 644.8 - Planning and scheduling real estate activities.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-07-01

... (CONTINUED) REAL PROPERTY REAL ESTATE HANDBOOK Project Planning Civil Works § 644.8 Planning and scheduling... Memoranda; determination of final project boundaries; and preliminary real estate work to the point where... estate activities of the Corps are extremely sensitive, since they disrupt the lives of individuals and...

FIR sample change

NASA Image and Video Library

2011-10-11

ISS029-E-025108 (11 Oct. 2011) --- NASA astronaut Mike Fossum, Expedition 29 commander, works on the Fluids Integrated Rack/Fluids and Combustion Facility (FIR/FCF), conducting another session with the Preliminary Advanced Colloids Experiment (PACE). Fossum is working at the Light Microscopy Module (LMM) in the Destiny laboratory of the International Space Station.

Marine Biotoxins: Laboratory Culture and Molecular Structure

DTIC Science & Technology

1988-10-11

has been known for several years. has so far been isolated from toxic zoanthid corals. Palv~tha sp. Preliminary evidence suggests that the producer of...epiphyte of the zoanthid coral has not been realized. C. Purpose of Present Work The purposes of this work are the successful culture of G_. toxicus

Characterization of Bond Strength of U-Mo Fuel Plates Using the Laser Shockwave Technique: Capabilities and Preliminary Results

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

J. A. Smith; D. L. Cottle; B. H. Rabin

2013-09-01

This report summarizes work conducted to-date on the implementation of new laser-based capabilities for characterization of bond strength in nuclear fuel plates, and presents preliminary results obtained from fresh fuel studies on as-fabricated monolithic fuel consisting of uranium-10 wt.% molybdenum alloys clad in 6061 aluminum by hot isostatic pressing. Characterization involves application of two complementary experimental methods, laser-shock testing and laser-ultrasonic imaging, collectively referred to as the Laser Shockwave Technique (LST), that allows the integrity, physical properties and interfacial bond strength in fuel plates to be evaluated. Example characterization results are provided, including measurement of layer thicknesses, elastic properties ofmore » the constituents, and the location and nature of generated debonds (including kissing bonds). LST provides spatially localized, non-contacting measurements with minimum specimen preparation, and is ideally suited for applications involving radioactive materials, including irradiated materials. The theoretical principles and experimental approaches employed in characterizing nuclear fuel plates are described, and preliminary bond strength measurement results are discussed, with emphasis on demonstrating the capabilities and limitations of these methods. These preliminary results demonstrate the ability to distinguish bond strength variations between different fuel plates. Although additional development work is necessary to validate and qualify the test methods, these results suggest LST is viable as a method to meet fuel qualification requirements to demonstrate acceptable bonding integrity.« less

Evaluation of a proposed method for representing drug terminology.

PubMed Central

Cimino, J. J.; McNamara, T. J.; Meredith, T.; Broverman, C. A.; Eckert, K. C.; Moore, M.; Tyree, D. J.

1999-01-01

In the absence of a single, standard, multipurpose terminology for representing medications, the HL7 Vocabulary Technical Committee has sought to develop a model for such terms in a way that will provide a unified method for representing them and supporting interoperability among various terminology systems. We evaluated the preliminary model by obtaining terms, represented in our model, from three leading vendors of pharmacy system knowledge bases. A total of 2303 terms were obtained, and 3982 pair-wise comparisons were possible. We found that the components of the term descriptions matched 68-87% of the time and that the overall descriptions matched 53% of the time. The evaluation has identified a number of areas in the model where more rigorous definitions will be needed in order to improve the matching rate. This paper discusses the implications of these results. PMID:10566318

Microgravimetric and magnetometric three-dimensional analysis in the 2nd section of the Bosque de Chapultepec

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Escobedo-Zenil, D.; Sanchez-Gonzalez, J.; García-Serrano, A.

2013-05-01

The Bosque de Chapultepec is the most important recreational area in Mexico City. In the early 20th century construction material in this region was exploited illegally generating a clandestine system of mines without any registration or census. Later in the early 50's it was planned the creation of a park in the area, nonetheless many mines were blocked by debris or vegetation and only a few mines were filled to build the infrastructure of the park. In June 2006, the collapse of the foundation slab of the Lago Mayor emptied 5000 cubic meters of water, which made clear the need of near surface geophysics studies to locate instabilities due to underground cavities. This work describes the progress of microgravimetry and magnetometry studies located in a forest region where the collapse of a mine entrance occurred. This mine has 4 known branches, but the full extent or if these branches are connected to the entrance of another filled mine located approximately to 100 meters is unknown. The results of this work, in correlation with the geological model and preliminary results of seismic and electrical methods, show lateral variations that may be associated with cavities and possible structural faults, which represent hazards to the Bosque de Chapultepec.

Vibrotactile feedback for conveying object shape information as perceived by artificial sensing of robotic arm.

PubMed

Khasnobish, Anwesha; Pal, Monalisa; Sardar, Dwaipayan; Tibarewala, D N; Konar, Amit

2016-08-01

This work is a preliminary study towards developing an alternative communication channel for conveying shape information to aid in recognition of items when tactile perception is hindered. Tactile data, acquired during object exploration by sensor fitted robot arm, are processed to recognize four basic geometric shapes. Patterns representing each shape, classified from tactile data, are generated using micro-controller-driven vibration motors which vibrotactually stimulate users to convey the particular shape information. These motors are attached on the subject's arm and their psychological (verbal) responses are recorded to assess the competence of the system to convey shape information to the user in form of vibrotactile stimulations. Object shapes are classified from tactile data with an average accuracy of 95.21 %. Three successive sessions of shape recognition from vibrotactile pattern depicted learning of the stimulus from subjects' psychological response which increased from 75 to 95 %. This observation substantiates the learning of vibrotactile stimulation in user over the sessions which in turn increase the system efficacy. The tactile sensing module and vibrotactile pattern generating module are integrated to complete the system whose operation is analysed in real-time. Thus, the work demonstrates a successful implementation of the complete schema of artificial tactile sensing system for object-shape recognition through vibrotactile stimulations.

[Inter-rater agreement on self-reported exposure to ergonomic risk factors for the upper extremities among mechanic assemblers in an automotive industry].

PubMed

d'Errico, Angelo; Fontana, Dario; Merogno, Angela

2016-01-01

to assess reproducibility of self-reported exposure to ergonomic hazards for the upper limbs, measured through a questionnaire based on a diffused checklist for the assessment of ergonomic risk (OCRA) in a sample of mechanical assemblers of an automotive industry. cross-sectional study; reproducibility was assessed as interrater agreement of a composite index of ergonomic risk, estimated through the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). 58 mechanical assemblers, working in 29 twin areas, characterised by same work stations and tasks. composite index of ergonomic risk for the upper limbs. reproducibility of the ergonomic index was high in the overall sample (ICC: 0.81) and it was higher for the twin areas employing same-gender workers (ICC: 0.96), compared to those with workers of the opposite gender (ICC: 0.66). these results indicate that a questionnaire measuring with a great detail the exposure to the main ergonomic risk factors for the upper limbs, as the one based on the OCRA checklist used for this study, would allow to obtain a highly reproducible ergonomic index. If its validity against the corresponding observational checklist will be found elevated by future studies, this questionnaire may represent a useful tool for a preliminary assessment of workers' exposure to ergonomic hazards for the upper limbs.

Attitudes toward English & English Learning at an Iranian Military University: A Preliminary Survey

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mahdavi Zafarghandi, Amir; Jodai, Hojat

2012-01-01

This study intends to represent attitudes toward English and English learning at an Iranian military university. Iranian military staff is required to study English in a social environment where there is little immediate need or opportunity to use the language for real communicative purposes.The subjects included 34 Iranian military personnel who…

EXPLORATORY STUDIES IN THE USE OF PICTURES AND SOUND FOR TEACHING FOREIGN LANGUAGE VOCABULARY.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

GROSSLIGHT, J.H.; KALE, S.V.

THE EFFECTS OF A NUMBER OF VARIABLES BASIC TO THE LEARNING OF FOREIGN LANGUAGE VOCABULARY WERE REPORTED. THE LANGUAGE SELECTED FOR LEARNING WAS RUSSIAN. SUBJECTS IN THE FIRST EXPERIMENT WERE 409 STUDENTS FROM AN INTRODUCTORY PSYCHOLOGY COURSE. FROM AN ENGLISH-RUSSIAN DICTIONARY, A PRELIMINARY LIST OF COMMON VERBS WAS SELECTED WHICH REPRESENTED AN…

New Hampshire State Plan for Career Education. Planning Years: 1976-77 & 1977-78. Implementation Years 1978-83.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

New Hampshire State Dept. of Education, Concord.

Two hundred representatives from the community, special interest groups, and the educational field cooperated in writing a preliminary state plan for career education focusing on the following problems: high unemployment rate of society's untrained youth, the diminished ability of the job market to absorb unskilled workers, lack of trained persons…

Self-Concept and Psychopathology in Deaf Adolescents: Preliminary Support for Moderating Effects of Deafness-Related Characteristics and Peer Problems

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

van Gent, Tiejo; Goedhart, Arnold W.; Treffers, Philip D. A.

2011-01-01

Background: High rates of psychopathology were found amongst deaf adolescents, but little is known about the psychosocial risk factors. This study investigated whether (1) less severe deafness and/or acquired or otherwise complicated deafness, and (2) having mainly contacts with hearing people, each represent chronic stressful conditions that…

National School-Age Child Care Alliance (NSACCA): National Survey Results. Draft Report.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Marx, Fern

Presenting preliminary results of a National School-Age Child Care Alliance study of child care providers, this report is an initial analysis of 250 out of 427 questionnaires received as of April, 1993, representing practitioners in 40 states and 180 cities. Tables present data from responses to 16 items on the questionnaire soliciting information…

Oligocene terrestrial strata of northwestern Ethiopia : a preliminary report on paleoenvironments and paleontology

Treesearch

Bonnie F. Jacobs; Neil Tabor; Mulugeta Feseha; Aaron Pan; John Kappelman; Tab Rasmussen; William Sanders; Michael Wiemann; Jeff Crabaugh; Juan Leandro Garcia Massini

2005-01-01

The Paleogene record of Afro-Arabia is represented by few fossil localities, most of which are coastal. Here we report sedimentological and paleontological data from continental Oligocene strata in northwestern Ethiopia. These have produced abundant plant fossils and unique assemblages of vertebrates, thus filling a gap in what is known of Paleogene interior Afro-...

Ability Grouping in Schools: An Analysis of Effects.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ireson, Judith; Hallam, Susan; Mortimore, Peter; Hack, Sarah; Clark, Helen

This paper presents preliminary findings from a large-scale study of ability grouping in English secondary schools. Forty-five secondary schools representing three levels of grouping took part in the research. Within these schools, data have been collected from a cohort of Year 9 pupils, aged 13-14 years. All these pupils took tests in English,…

A Preliminary Study on the Curriculum Overlap and Gap between LIS Education and Intelligence Education

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Wu, Yejun

2013-01-01

This paper addresses the curriculum overlap and gap between LIS education and intelligence education by analyzing the content of the websites of the intelligence education programs and courses in 27 representative intelligence education universities in the United States, and the intelligence-related programs and courses in the 56 LIS programs in…

The Basis of Hyperspecificity in Autism: A Preliminary Suggestion Based on Properties of Neural Nets.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McClelland, James L.

2000-01-01

This article discusses representation of information in neural networks and the apparent hyperspecificity that is often seen in the application of previously acquired information by children with autism. Hyperspecificity is seen as reflecting a possible feature of the neural codes used to represent concepts in the autistic brain. (Contains 12…

The Effect of Films with and without Subtitles on Listening Comprehension of EFL Learners

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hayati, Abdolmajid; Mohmedi, Firooz

2011-01-01

The present study represented a preliminary effort to empirically examine the efficacy of subtitled movie on listening comprehension of intermediate English as a Foreign Language students. To achieve this purpose, out of a total of 200 intermediate students, 90 were picked based on a proficiency test. The material consisted of six episodes…

PRELIMINARY STUDIES OF CYANOBACTERIA, PICOPLANKTON, AND VIRIOPLANKTON IN THE SALTON SEA WITH SPECIAL ATTENTION TO PHYLOGENETIC DIVERSITY AMONG EIGHT STRAINS OF FILAMENTOUS CYANOBACTERIA. (R826552)

EPA Science Inventory

The perspectives, information and conclusions conveyed in research project abstracts, progress reports, final reports, journal abstracts and journal publications convey the viewpoints of the principal investigator and may not represent the views and policies of ORD and EPA. Concl...

The "Mentor Paper" Writing Assignment in One Community College Puente Class: Preliminary Report from a Participant Observer.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Cazden, Courtney B.

An educator participating in a community college Puente class as both participant and observer analyzes the structure and experience of one writing assignment representative of the program's objectives. The Puente program combines teaching, counseling, and mentoring to California community college students as a means of promoting learning,…

The Diversity of Cultural Participation: Findings from a National Survey. Building Arts Participation: New Findings from the Field

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ostrower, Francie

2005-01-01

This survey represents a preliminary step toward demonstrating the diversity of motivations and circumstances that characterize cultural participation. This report examines only live attendance. The evidence presented in this report indicates the pressing need for additional analyses that make diversity a central facet of examining other…

National Postsecondary Student Aid Study: Preliminary Estimates on Student Financial Aid Recipients, 1989-90. Contractor Report. E.D. TABS.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Shepherd, Jane, Comp.; And Others

The National Postsecondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS) examines how students who have received financial aid, and their families, pay for postsecondary education. It includes nationally representative samples of undergraduates, graduates, and first-professional students, encompassing students attending less-than-2-year institutions, 2-year schools,…

PECONIC ESTUARY: A PRELIMINARY ANALYSIS OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SUBMARINE GROUNDWATER DISCHARGE (SDG) AND SUBMERGED AQUATIC VEGETATION IN THE PECONIC ESTUARY

EPA Science Inventory

Seagrass meadows represent an important ecosystem in tropic and temperate waters around the globe. The most common species in the shallow, coastal regions of the North Atlantic Ocean is Zostera marina, also referred to as eelgrass. In general, these marine angiosperms act as food...

Preliminary study of temperature measurement techniques for Stirling engine reciprocating seals

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Wilcock, D. F.; Hoogenboom, L.; Meinders, M.; Winer, W. O.

1981-01-01

Methods of determining the contact surface temperature in reciprocating seals are investigated. Direct infrared measurement of surface temperatures of a rod exiting a loaded cap seal or simulated seal are compared with surface thermocouple measurements. Significant cooling of the surface requires several milliseconds so that exit temperatures may be considered representative of internal contact temperatures.

Measuring Practicing and Prospective Elementary Teachers' Efficacy for Classroom Management: A Preliminary Development and Validation Study

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Putman, S. Michael

2013-01-01

Research has shown efficacy exerts a powerful influence on behavior. Classroom management represents one vehicle for demonstrations of these behaviors, yet few instruments focus solely on the measurement of this domain-specific form of efficacy. This research explored the relationship between teacher self-efficacy and classroom management through…

Preliminary Study of a Hybrid Helicon-ECR Plasma Source

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

M. Hala, A.; Oksuz, L.; Ximing, Zhu

2016-08-01

A new type of hybrid discharge is experimentally investigated in this work. A helicon source and an electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) source were combined to produce plasma. As a preliminary study of this type of plasma, the optical emission spectroscopy (OES) method was used to obtain values of electron temperature and density under a series of typical conditions. Generally, it was observed that the electron temperature decreases and the electron density increases as the pressure increased. When increasing the applied power at a certain pressure, the average electron density at certain positions in the discharge does not increase significantly possibly due to the high degree of neutral depletion. Electron temperature increased with power in the hybrid mode. Possible mechanisms of these preliminary observations are discussed.

Preliminary Analyses Showed Short-Term Mental Health Improvements after a Single-Day Manager Training

PubMed Central

Boysen, Elena; Schiller, Birgitta; Mörtl, Kathrin; Gündel, Harald; Hölzer, Michael

2018-01-01

Psychosocial working conditions attract more and more attention when it comes to mental health in the workplace. Trying to support managers to deal with their own as well as their employees’ psychological risk factors, we conducted a specific manager training. Within this investigation, we wanted to learn about the training’s effects and acceptance. A single-day manager training was provided in a large industrial company in Germany. The participants were asked to fill out questionnaires regarding their own physical and mental health condition as well as their working situation. Questionnaires were distributed at baseline, 3-month, and 12-month follow-up. At this point of time the investigation is still ongoing. The current article focuses on short-term preliminary effects. Analyses only included participants that already completed baseline and three months follow-up. Preliminary results from three-month follow-up survey (n = 33, nmale = 30, Mage = 47.5) indicated positive changes in the manager’s mental health condition measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire for depression (PHQ-9: Mt1 = 3.82, Mt2 = 3.15). Training managers about common mental disorders and risk factors at the workplace within a single-day workshop seems to promote positive effects on their own mental health. Especially working with the managers on their own early stress symptoms might have been an important element. PMID:29320444

Preliminary Analyses Showed Short-Term Mental Health Improvements after a Single-Day Manager Training.

PubMed

Boysen, Elena; Schiller, Birgitta; Mörtl, Kathrin; Gündel, Harald; Hölzer, Michael

2018-01-10

Psychosocial working conditions attract more and more attention when it comes to mental health in the workplace. Trying to support managers to deal with their own as well as their employees' psychological risk factors, we conducted a specific manager training. Within this investigation, we wanted to learn about the training's effects and acceptance. A single-day manager training was provided in a large industrial company in Germany. The participants were asked to fill out questionnaires regarding their own physical and mental health condition as well as their working situation. Questionnaires were distributed at baseline, 3-month, and 12-month follow-up. At this point of time the investigation is still ongoing. The current article focuses on short-term preliminary effects. Analyses only included participants that already completed baseline and three months follow-up. Preliminary results from three-month follow-up survey ( n = 33, nmale = 30, Mage = 47.5) indicated positive changes in the manager's mental health condition measured by the Patient Health Questionnaire for depression (PHQ-9: Mt1 = 3.82, Mt2 = 3.15). Training managers about common mental disorders and risk factors at the workplace within a single-day workshop seems to promote positive effects on their own mental health. Especially working with the managers on their own early stress symptoms might have been an important element.

IR Materials Producibility

DTIC Science & Technology

1994-02-01

LiNbO 3. Preliminary prediction of the defect densities in X = 0.17 LWIR Hgl.xZnxTe were made and compared to results in HgCdTe. We continued to...Preliminary prediction of the defect densities in z = 0.17 LWIR Hgl-,Zn:Te. * Continued development of a method to calculate the temperature de- pendence of... LWIR HgZnTe 4 3 WIDE-GAP I-VI COMPOUNDS (ZnSe AS PROTOTYPE) 6 4 NONLINEAR OPTICAL MATERIALS (LiNb0 3 AS THE PROTOTYPE) 9 5 WORK PLANNED 9 APPENDIX A

Dielectric cure monitoring: Preliminary studies

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Goldberg, B. E.; Semmel, M. L.

1984-01-01

Preliminary studies have been conducted on two types of dielectric cure monitoring systems employing both epoxy resins and phenolic composites. An Audrey System was used for 23 cure monitoring runs with very limited success. Nine complete cure monitoring runs have been investigated using a Micromet System. Two additional measurements were performed to investigate the Micromet's sensitivity to water absorption in a post-cure carbon-phenolic material. While further work is needed to determine data significance, the Micromet system appears to show promise as a feedback control device during processing.

A preliminary study on ice shape tracing with a laser light sheet

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mercer, Carolyn R.; Vargas, Mario; Oldenburg, John R.

1993-01-01

Preliminary work towards the development of an automated method of measuring the shape of ice forming on an airfoil during wind tunnel tests has been completed. A thin sheet of light illuminated the front surfaces of rime, glaze, and mixed ice shapes and a solid-state camera recorded images of each. A maximum intensity algorithm extracted the profiles of the ice shapes and the results were compared to hand tracings. Very good general agreement was found in each case.

Strategies for Improving U.S. Air Force Productivity: Developing Methodologies for Assessing the Potential Relationship between Communication Behaviors and Productivity.

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-09-01

1176 NL EmillllllllEhmhmmhhhhhmhu ,mhhmmhhhhmhhhu Ehmmhhmhhmhhl EllhlhElhlhEEE Emmhhhhhhmmhu 1 II 12.5 111111.25 1 I1 6 MICROCOPY RESOLUTION TEST ...Technician Performance t/-O7 20J ABSTRCT fContinue an reverse aid* it necesary and Identify by block number) ILJ Liedhe poetwas a preliminary testing of a...of work characteristics. These were evaluated according to re- sponse patterns, factor structure, and/or reliability indicants.. Preliminary testing

Preliminary results of potassium-argon age determinations from the Ugashik quadrangle, Alaska Peninsula: A section in The United States Geological Survey in Alaska: Accomplishments during 1980

USGS Publications Warehouse

Wilson, Frederic H.; Shew, Nora B.

1982-01-01

Early and preliminary results of potassiumargon dating work on samples from 12 sites in the Ugashik quadrangle indicate a continuation of the geologic trends seen in the Chignik and Sutwik Island quadrangles to the south (Wilson, 1980). Tertiary volcanic and hypabyssal rocks apparently fall into two age groups: early Tertiary-late Eocene to earliest Miocene and late Tertiary and Quaternary-late Miocene to Holocene (fig. 53).

Preliminary Work for Identifying and Tracking Combustion Reaction Pathways by Coherent Microwave Mapping of Photoelectrons

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-06-24

wall Radar technique has been built and preliminary results of pyrolysis of iso-butane have been obtained. Qualitative measurements of ethylene in...The (2+1) REMPI ionizations of ethylene (C2H4, 11B3u(π,3p) Rydberg manifold) was selectively induced at 310─325nm. The ethylene was detectable at...quantitative measurements of ethylene as one of the pyrolysis products by using coherent microwave Rayleigh scattering (Radar) from Resonant Enhanced Multi

Diatom diversity and response in metal-polluted river environment: preliminary reports from Gromolo Torrent (Liguria, Italy)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Capello, Marco; Tolotti, Raffaella; Bernabè, Dimitri; Carbone, Cristina; Consani, Sirio; Vagge, Greta; Cutroneo, Laura

2016-04-01

Mineral content and physico-chemical properties of the freshwaters are the main factors affecting both algal assemblages and distributions, while presence of dissolved silicon, low water conductivity, and rocky-mountain habitats host benthic diatom assemblages of high species richness. It is shown that diatoms are sensible to the freshwater acidification (used as pH indicators in acid waters), environmental and climate changes, river organic load, and heavy metal water pollution. For this characteristic, diatoms are among the major biological markers for a variety of environmental and stratigraphic applications. In particular, qualitative and quantitative analyses (assemblage analyses) together with biotic indices as well as morphological and ultrastructure parameterisation provide tools for detailed environmental control and paleo-environmental reconstructions. Severe environmental problems are typically caused by "abandoned mine" and are consequences of the cessation of the mining activity with a lack in infrastructure maintenance. The mine waters which flow into the Gromolo Torrent are almost acidic (pH varying from 2.4 to 5) and enriched in heavy metals and SO42-. This pollution is caused by Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) processes that interest the Libiola mining area, known as a typical example of active AMD processes. The aim of this work is: 1) to characterise the local benthic diatom assemblages along the acidic mine effluents that discharge from Libiola mine, the entire Gromolo torrent course, and in the marine area off the torrent mouth; 2) to identify the main diatom biomarker taxa; 3) to highlight striking situations of equilibrium-disequilibrium in the algal communities, and 4) to point out types and frequency of some teratologies affecting specific diatom taxa as a response to environmental stressors (such as metal-metalloid enrichment). A total of 17 diatom samples was collected and examined, including some marine samples. Diatoms were collected in the riverbed from the hard surface of selected cobblestone by scraping. In laboratory all the samples were washed (by digestion with hydrogen peroxide) and mounted according to the protocol used by the DISTAV Laboratories (University of Genoa). Identification and enumeration of diatom valves was performed using an LM Reichert Jung-Polyvar microscope with 1000x oil-immersion lens. Moreover, a representative subsample of each preparation was observed using SEM images providing an interesting iconographic dataset. Preliminary results show that diatom assemblages are characteristic (in both quality and quantity) in the three different environmental conditions highlighted: a) in AMD environment diatoms are quantitatively scarcely, represented by both typically pioneer and highly tolerant species; b) in the Gromolo torrent diatoms are well represented with fairly well-structured communities, but present specific types and different frequencies in teratological frustula, whereas c) in marine environment they are very poorly represented.

A novel framework for change detection in bi-temporal polarimetric SAR images

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Pirrone, Davide; Bovolo, Francesca; Bruzzone, Lorenzo

2016-10-01

Last years have seen relevant increase of polarimetric Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) data availability, thanks to satellite sensors like Sentinel-1 or ALOS-2 PALSAR-2. The augmented information lying in the additional polarimetric channels represents a possibility for better discriminate different classes of changes in change detection (CD) applications. This work aims at proposing a framework for CD in multi-temporal multi-polarization SAR data. The framework includes both a tool for an effective visual representation of the change information and a method for extracting the multiple-change information. Both components are designed to effectively handle the multi-dimensionality of polarimetric data. In the novel representation, multi-temporal intensity SAR data are employed to compute a polarimetric log-ratio. The multitemporal information of the polarimetric log-ratio image is represented in a multi-dimensional features space, where changes are highlighted in terms of magnitude and direction. This representation is employed to design a novel unsupervised multi-class CD approach. This approach considers a sequential two-step analysis of the magnitude and the direction information for separating non-changed and changed samples. The proposed approach has been validated on a pair of Sentinel-1 data acquired before and after the flood in Tamil-Nadu in 2015. Preliminary results demonstrate that the representation tool is effective and that the use of polarimetric SAR data is promising in multi-class change detection applications.

Preliminary data on antibacterial activity of Echinacea purpurea-associated bacterial communities against Burkholderia cepacia complex strains, opportunistic pathogens of Cystic Fibrosis patients.

PubMed

Chiellini, Carolina; Maida, Isabel; Maggini, Valentina; Bosi, Emanuele; Mocali, Stefano; Emiliani, Giovanni; Perrin, Elena; Firenzuoli, Fabio; Mengoni, Alessio; Fani, Renato

2017-03-01

Burkholderia cepacia complex bacteria (Bcc) represent a serious threat for immune-compromised patient affected by Cystic Fibrosis (CF) since they are resistant to many substances and to most antibiotics. For this reason, the research of new natural compounds able to inhibit the growth of Bcc strains has raised new interest during the last years. A source of such natural compounds is represented by medicinal plants and, in particular, by bacterial communities associated with these plants able to produce molecules with antimicrobial activity. In this work, a panel of 151 (endophytic) bacteria isolated from three different compartments (rhizospheric soil, roots, and stem/leaves) of the medicinal plant Echinacea purpurea were tested (using the cross-streak method) for their ability to inhibit the growth of 10 Bcc strains. Data obtained revealed that bacteria isolated from the roots of E. purpurea are the most active in the inhibition of Bcc strains, followed by bacteria isolated from the rhizospheric soil, and endophytes from stem/leaf compartment. At the same time, Bcc strains of environmental origin showed a higher resistance toward inhibition than the Bcc strains with clinical (i.e. CF patients) origin. Differences in the inhibition activity of E. purpurea-associated bacteria are mainly linked to the environment -the plant compartment- rather than to their taxonomical position. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier GmbH. All rights reserved.

Effect of Emplacement Material Properties on Chemical Explosion Spectra - Preliminary Analysis Using Synthetic Waveforms Near Elastic Radii

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Saikia, C. K.; Ezzedine, S. M.; Vorobiev, O.; Antoun, T.; Woods, M. T.

2017-12-01

The focus of this study is to investigate the effect of the non-linear material properties on synthetic waveforms at receivers located within the elastic region near the non-linear zone around energetic chemical explosions. The primary goal is to characterize the effect of porosity and joint properties. The joint sizes are typically small compared with the wavelength represented by the computational grid, so the calculations become time consuming to properly represent the fidelity of the calculations. In this study, we use GEODYN-L Lagrangian code, where the joints are included explicitly. We simulate a suite of synthetics for chemical explosions in granite, and varying the porosity and joint orientation. Using the generated synthetic waveforms in the elastic region, we calculate displacement spectra and compare them with homogenous medium solutions (i.e., free of porosity and joints). We are attempting to develop a set of correction factors necessary to apply in various field (emplacement) conditions so that the spectral characteristics can be compared to those predicted by the Mueller-Murphy (MM, 1971; Saikia, 2017) and other source functions (Denny and Johnson, 1991; Ford and Walter, 2013) near the elastic radii. Future investigations will include similar analysis for the nuclear explosions. This work performed under the auspices of the U.S. Department of Energy by Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under Contract DE-AC52-07NA27344.

IGLOO: an Intermediate Complexity Framework to Simulate Greenland Ice-Ocean Interactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Perrette, M.; Calov, R.; Beckmann, J.; Alexander, D.; Beyer, S.; Ganopolski, A.

2017-12-01

The Greenland ice-sheet is a major contributor to current and future sea level rise associated to climate warming. It is widely believed that over a century time scale, surface melting is the main driver of Greenland ice volume change, in contrast to melting by the ocean. It is due to relatively warmer air and less ice area exposed to melting by ocean water compared to Antarctica, its southern, larger twin. Yet most modeling studies do not have adequate grid resolution to represent fine-scale outlet glaciers and fjords at the margin of the ice sheet, where ice-ocean interaction occurs, and must use rather crude parameterizations to represent this process. Additionally, the ice-sheet area grounded below sea level has been reassessed upwards in the most recent estimates of bedrock elevation under the Greenland ice sheet, revealing a larger potential for marine-mediated melting than previously thought. In this work, we develop an original approach to estimate potential Greenland ice sheet contribution to sea level rise from ocean melting, in an intermediate complexity framework, IGLOO. We use a medium-resolution (5km) ice-sheet model coupled interactively to a number of 1-D flowline models for the individual outlet glaciers. We propose a semi-objective methodology to derive 1-D glacier geometries from 2-D Greenland datasets, as well as preliminary results of coupled ice-sheet-glaciers simulations with IGLOO.

Public Service Professionalism among State Administrators: A Multiple State Study. A Working Paper.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Rose, Bruce J.; And Others

This working paper, part of an ongoing national study, presents preliminary analysis of public service professionalism among state public administrators in many states on the basis of data already produced by a continuing survey research project. Information about the data source and sample profiles are provided. Additionally, the research…

A Study of Interactions among Ambiguity Tolerance, Classroom Work Styles, and English Proficiency

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chiang, Hui-Hua

2016-01-01

This article presents a preliminary investigation of the inter-relationships between English learners' tolerance for ambiguity, their classroom work styles, and their level of English proficiency. The study population comprised 46 English as a foreign language (EFL) students attending a technical college in Taiwan. The findings indicated that a…

Macro-Focused Social Work Dissertations: A Preliminary Look at the Numbers

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Fogel, Sondra J.; Ersing, Robin

2016-01-01

Dissertation research is an important indicator of practice trends and emerging issues. The social work profession relies on this scholarship to build its knowledge base thus reducing reliance on cognate fields. It is worthwhile to note how many dissertations are being completed and to review the categories being pursued in dissertation products…

An Attempt To Design Synchronous Collaborative Learning Environments for Peer Dyads on the World Wide Web.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lee, Fong-Lok; Liang, Steven; Chan, Tak-Wai

1999-01-01

Describes the design, implementation, and preliminary evaluation of three synchronous distributed learning prototype systems: Co-Working System, Working Along System, and Hybrid System. Each supports a particular style of interaction, referred to a socio-activity learning model, between members of student dyads (pairs). All systems were…

Educating Social Workers for Practice in Integrated Health Care: A Model Implemented in a Graduate Social Work Program

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Mattison, Debra; Weaver, Addie; Zebrack, Brad; Fischer, Dan; Dubin, Leslie

2017-01-01

This article introduces a curricular innovation, the Integrated Health Scholars Program (IHSP), developed to prepare master's-level social work students for practice in integrated health care settings, and presents preliminary findings related to students' self-reported program competencies and perceptions. IHSP, implemented in a…

Finance Project. Status Report and Preliminary Working Papers.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

California Community Colleges, Sacramento. Office of the Chancellor.

This status report outlines the progress of the California Community College Finance Project. Working papers, models, and alternative proposals are reviewed in four areas: mission and function, finance, governance, and management. Priorities in mission and function are stated in terms of the characteristics and educational needs of the nearly 1.3…

Juggling and Struggling: A Preliminary Work-Life Study of Mothers with Adolescents Who Have Developmental Disabilities

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Parish, Susan L.

2006-01-01

A focus group study was conducted to develop an understanding of the experiences of mothers who are trying to balance employment with caring for an adolescent with developmental disabilities. Mothers reported facing considerable difficulties balancing work and caregiving responsibilities because support services rapidly declined when their child…

48 CFR 16.306 - Cost-plus-fixed-fee contracts.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2011 CFR

2011-10-01

... preliminary exploration, studies, and risk reduction have indicated a high degree of probability that the... the scope of work by stating a definite goal or target and specifying an end product. This form of... increases the estimated cost. (2) The term form describes the scope of work in general terms and obligates...

The Working Alliance in Online Therapy with Young People: Preliminary Findings

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hanley, Terry

2009-01-01

This paper examines the quality of the working alliance in online counseling relationships with young people. A mixed method approach has been adopted which combines the completion of a self-report quantitative measure (the "Therapeutic Alliance Quality Scale") and qualitative interviews with service users of a UK-based service…

Goal Orientations and Metacognitive Skills of Normal Technical and Normal Academic Students on Project Work

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ee, J.; Wang, C.; Koh, C.; Tan, O.; Liu, W.

2009-01-01

In 2000, the Singapore Ministry of Education launched Project Work (PW) to encourage the application of knowledge across disciplines, and to develop thinking, communication, collaboration and metacognitive skills. This preliminary findings of a large scale study examines the role of goal orientations (achievement goals and social goals) in…

Development of Milestone Schedules for Selected Logistics Support Directorate Programs. Appendix A. Part 2. Task Summaries.

DTIC Science & Technology

1987-09-15

MAC; CODE NUMBER: NONE AND REPAIR PARTS AND SPECIAL TOOLS LIST (RPSTL). RESPONSIBILITY: ROY & ILS DURATION: 32.00 WORK DAYS PRE PPPL SCHEDULE...ILS DURATION: 22.00 WORK DAYS R/V PPPL SCHEDULE: DVPMARPS REVIEW AND VALIDATE PRELIMINARY PROVISIONING PARTS LIST. CODE NUMBER: NONE RESPONSIBILITY

Severe Weather Environments in Atmospheric Reanalyses

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

King, A. T.; Kennedy, A. D.

2017-12-01

Atmospheric reanalyses combine historical observation data using a fixed assimilation scheme to achieve a dynamically coherent representation of the atmosphere. How well these reanalyses represent severe weather environments via proxies is poorly defined. To quantify the performance of reanalyses, a database of proximity soundings near severe storms from the Rapid Update Cycle 2 (RUC-2) model will be compared to a suite of reanalyses including: North American Reanalysis (NARR), European Interim Reanalysis (ERA-Interim), 2nd Modern-Era Retrospective Reanalysis for Research and Applications (MERRA-2), Japanese 55-year Reanalysis (JRA-55), 20th Century Reanalysis (20CR), and Climate Forecast System Reanalysis (CFSR). A variety of severe weather parameters will be calculated from these soundings including: convective available potential energy (CAPE), storm relative helicity (SRH), supercell composite parameter (SCP), and significant tornado parameter (STP). These soundings will be generated using the SHARPpy python module, which is an open source tool used to calculate severe weather parameters. Preliminary results indicate that the NARR and JRA55 are significantly more skilled at producing accurate severe weather environments than the other reanalyses. The primary difference between these two reanalyses and the remaining reanalyses is a significant negative bias for thermodynamic parameters. To facilitate climatological studies, the scope of work will be expanded to compute these parameters for the entire domain and duration of select renalyses. Preliminary results from this effort will be presented and compared to observations at select locations. This dataset will be made pubically available to the larger scientific community, and details of this product will be provided.

A preliminary probabilistic analysis of tsunami sources of seismic and non-seismic origin applied to the city of Naples, Italy

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tonini, R.; Anita, G.

2011-12-01

In both worldwide and regional historical catalogues, most of the tsunamis are caused by earthquakes and a minor percentage is represented by all the other non-seismic sources. On the other hand, tsunami hazard and risk studies are often applied to very specific areas, where this global trend can be different or even inverted, depending on the kind of potential tsunamigenic sources which characterize the case study. So far, few probabilistic approaches consider the contribution of landslides and/or phenomena derived by volcanic activity, i.e. pyroclastic flows and flank collapses, as predominant in the PTHA, also because of the difficulties to estimate the correspondent recurrence time. These considerations are valid, for example, for the city of Naples, Italy, which is surrounded by a complex active volcanic system (Vesuvio, Campi Flegrei, Ischia) that presents a significant number of potential tsunami sources of non-seismic origin compared to the seismic ones. In this work we present the preliminary results of a probabilistic multi-source tsunami hazard assessment applied to Naples. The method to estimate the uncertainties will be based on Bayesian inference. This is the first step towards a more comprehensive task which will provide a tsunami risk quantification for this town in the frame of the Italian national project ByMuR (http://bymur.bo.ingv.it). This three years long ongoing project has the final objective of developing a Bayesian multi-risk methodology to quantify the risk related to different natural hazards (volcanoes, earthquakes and tsunamis) applied to the city of Naples.

An Internationally Coordinated Science Management Plan for Samples Returned from Mars

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Haltigin, T.; Smith, C. L.

2015-12-01

Mars Sample Return (MSR) remains a high priority of the planetary exploration community. Such an effort will undoubtedly be too large for any individual agency to conduct itself, and thus will require extensive global cooperation. To help prepare for an eventual MSR campaign, the International Mars Exploration Working Group (IMEWG) chartered the international Mars Architecture for the Return of Samples (iMARS) Phase II working group in 2014, consisting of representatives from 17 countries and agencies. The overarching task of the team was to provide recommendations for progressing towards campaign implementation, including a proposed science management plan. Building upon the iMARS Phase I (2008) outcomes, the Phase II team proposed the development of an International MSR Science Institute as part of the campaign governance, centering its deliberations around four themes: Organization: including an organizational structure for the Institute that outlines roles and responsibilities of key members and describes sample return facility requirements; Management: presenting issues surrounding scientific leadership, defining guidelines and assumptions for Institute membership, and proposing a possible funding model; Operations & Data: outlining a science implementation plan that details the preliminary sample examination flow, sample allocation process, and data policies; and Curation: introducing a sample curation plan that comprises sample tracking and routing procedures, sample sterilization considerations, and long-term archiving recommendations. This work presents a summary of the group's activities, findings, and recommendations, highlighting the role of international coordination in managing the returned samples.

Gender and generational influences on the pediatric workforce and practice.

PubMed

Spector, Nancy D; Cull, William; Daniels, Stephen R; Gilhooly, Joseph; Hall, Judith; Horn, Ivor; Marshall, Susan G; Schumacher, Daniel J; Sectish, Theodore C; Stanton, Bonita F

2014-06-01

In response to demographic and other trends that may affect the future of the field of pediatrics, the Federation of Pediatric Organizations formed 4 working groups to participate in a year's worth of research and discussion preliminary to a Visioning Summit focusing on pediatric practice, research, and training over the next 2 decades. This article, prepared by members of the Gender and Generations Working Group, summarizes findings relevant to the 2 broad categories of demographic trends represented in the name of the group and explores the interface of these trends with advances in technology and social media and the impact this is likely to have on the field of pediatrics. Available data suggest that the trends in the proportions of men and women entering pediatrics are similar to those over the past few decades and that changes in the overall ratio of men and women will not substantially affect pediatric practice. However, although women may be as likely to succeed in academic medicine and research, fewer women than men enter research, thereby potentially decreasing the number of pediatric researchers as the proportion of women increases. Complex generational differences affect both the workforce and interactions in the workplace. Differences between the 4 generational groups comprising the pediatric workforce are likely to result in an evolution of the role of the pediatrician, particularly as it relates to aspects of work-life balance and the use of technology and social media. Copyright © 2014 by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Advanced heat pump for the recovery of volatile organic compounds

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

1992-03-01

Emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) from stationary industrial and commercial sources represent a substantial portion of the total U.S. VOC emissions. The 'Toxic-Release Inventory' of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency estimates this to be at about 3 billion pounds per year (1987 estimates). The majority of these VOC emissions are from coating processes, cleaning processes, polymer production, fuel production and distribution, foam blowing, refrigerant production, and wood products production. The U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) interest in the recovery of VOC stems from the energy embodied in the recovered solvents and the energy required to dispose of them in an environmentally acceptable manner. This Phase 1 report documents 3M's work in close working relationship with its subcontractor Nuclear Consulting Services (Nucon) for the preliminary conceptual design of an advanced Brayton cycle heat pump for the recovery of VOC. The Nucon designed Brayton cycle heat pump for the recovery of methyl ethyl ketone and toluene from coating operations at 3M Weatherford, OK, was used as a base line for the work under cooperative agreement between 3M and ODE. See appendix A and reference (4) by Kovach of Nucon. This cooperative agreement report evaluates and compares an advanced Brayton cycle heat pump for solvent recovery with other competing technologies for solvent recovery and reuse. This advanced Brayton cycle heat pump is simple (very few components), highly reliable (off the shelf components), energy efficient, and economically priced.

Optimal actuator location within a morphing wing scissor mechanism configuration

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Joo, James J.; Sanders, Brian; Johnson, Terrence; Frecker, Mary I.

2006-03-01

In this paper, the optimal location of a distributed network of actuators within a scissor wing mechanism is investigated. The analysis begins by developing a mechanical understanding of a single cell representation of the mechanism. This cell contains four linkages connected by pin joints, a single actuator, two springs to represent the bidirectional behavior of a flexible skin, and an external load. Equilibrium equations are developed using static analysis and the principle of virtual work equations. An objective function is developed to maximize the efficiency of the unit cell model. It is defined as useful work over input work. There are two constraints imposed on this problem. The first is placed on force transferred from the external source to the actuator. It should be less than the blocked actuator force. The other is to require the ratio of output displacement over input displacement, i.e., geometrical advantage (GA), of the cell to be larger than a prescribed value. Sequential quadratic programming is used to solve the optimization problem. This process suggests a systematic approach to identify an optimum location of an actuator and to avoid the selection of location by trial and error. Preliminary results show that optimum locations of an actuator can be selected out of feasible regions according to the requirements of the problem such as a higher GA, a higher efficiency, or a smaller transferred force from external force. Results include analysis of single and multiple cell wing structures and some experimental comparisons.

Adhesive and Composite Properties of a New Phenylethynyl Terminated Imide

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Thompson, C. M.; Connell, J. W.; Hergenrother, P. M.

2002-01-01

A relatively new phenylethynyl terminated imide oligomer (PETI) from the reaction of 2,3,',4'- biphenyltetracarboxylic dianhydride, 4,4'-oxydianiline and endcapped with 4- phenylethynylphthalic anhydride at a calculated number average molecular weight of 5000 g/mole was evaluated as an adhesive and composite matrix. The asymmetric dianhydride imparts a low melt viscosity to the oligomer and a high glass transition temperature to the cured resin. Preliminary adhesive work with titanium (6Al-4V) adherend gave good room temperature (RT) tensile shear strengths and excellent retention of RT strength at 260 C. Preliminary composite work using unsized IM7 carbon fiber provided moderate to high mechanical properties. The chemistry, mechanical, and physical properties of the new PETI in neat resin, adhesive and composite form are presented.

A Preliminary Study on the Vapor/Mist Phase Lubrication of a Spur Gearbox

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Morales, Wilfredo; Handschuh, Robert F.

1999-01-01

Organophosphates have been the primary compounds used in vapor/mist phase lubrication studies involving ferrous bearing material. Experimental results have indicated that the initial formation of an iron phosphate film on a rubbing ferrous surface, followed by the growth (by cationic diffusion) of a lubricious pyrophosphate-type coating over the iron phosphate, is the reason organophosphates work well as vapor/mist phase lubricants. Recent work, however, has shown that this mechanism leads to the depletion of surface iron atoms and to eventual lubrication failure. A new organophosphate formulation was developed which circumvents surface iron depletion. This formulation was tested by generating an iron phosphate coating on an aluminum surface. The new formulation was then used to vapor/mist phase lubricate a spur gearbox in a preliminary study.

Geo-Hydro Statistical Characterization of Preferential Flow and Transport Processes in Karst Groundwater Systems

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Anaya, A. A.; Padilla, I. Y.; Macchiavelli, R. E.

2011-12-01

Karst groundwater systems are highly productive and provide an important fresh water resource for human development and ecological integrity. Their high productivity is often associated with conduit flow and high matrix permeability. The same characteristics that make these aquifers productive also make them highly vulnerable to contamination and a likely for contaminant exposure. Of particular interest are chlorinated organic contaminants and phthalates derived from industrial solvents and plastic by-products. These chemicals have been identified as potential precursors of pre-term birth, a leading cause of neonatal complications with a significant health and societal cost. The general objectives of this work are to: (1) develop fundamental knowledge and determine the processes controlling the release, mobility, persistence, and possible pathways of contaminants in karst groundwater systems, and (2) characterize transport processes in conduit and diffusion-dominated flow under base flow and storm flow conditions. The work presented herein focuses on the development of geo-hydro statistical tools to characterize flow and transport processes under different flow regimes. Multidimensional, laboratory-scale Geo-Hydrobed models were developed and tested for this purpose. The models consist of stainless-steel tanks containing karstified limestone blocks collected from the karst aquifer formation of northern Puerto Rico. The models a network of sampling wells to monitor flow, pressure, and solute concentrations temporally and spatially. Experimental work entailed making a series of point injections in wells while monitoring the hydraulic response in other wells. Statistical mixed models were applied to spatial probabilities of hydraulic response and weighted injected volume data, and were used to determinate the best spatial correlation structure to represent paths of preferential flow in the limestone units under different groundwater flow regimes. Preliminary testing of the karstified models show that the system can be used to represent the variable transport regime characterized by conduit and diffuses flow in the karst systems. Initial hydraulic characterization indicates a highly heterogeneous system resulting in large preferential flow components. Future works involve characterization of dual porosity system using conservative tracers, fate and transport experiments using phthalates and chlorinated solvents, geo-temporal statistical modeling, and the testing of "green" remediation technologies in karst groundwater. This work is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, Savannah River (Grant Award No. DE-FG09-07SR22571), and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS, Grant Award No. P42ES017198).

Mineral-microorganism interactions in Acid Mine Drainage environments: preliminary results

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Carbone, Cristina; Zotti, Mirca; Pozzolini, Marina; Giovine, Marco; Di Piazza, Simone; Mariotti, Mauro; Lucchetti, Gabriella

2014-05-01

Minerals play a key role in controlling the mobility and distribution of metals and metalloids of environmental concern in supergenic environments. These are involved in a variety of processes, spanning the alteration of primary minerals to the formation of secondary authigenic phases and can represent a source or a trap for Potentially Ecotoxic Elements (PTEs). Soil, sediments, and waters heavily polluted with PTEs through AMD processes are a reservoir of a unusual bacteria and fungi well adapted to these toxic environments. Classical studies of biotic weathering have mainly focused on water-mineral interaction and on the ability of microorganism to influence the soil solution chemical composition. In this work, we analyzed two different representative ochreous and greenish-blue AMD colloidal precipitates in order to i) characterize the biota population present in these colloidal minerals and ii) verify the bioaccumulation of PTEs into the fungi and the potential impact of bacteria in the geochemistry of the system. The samples are composed by nanocrystalline goethite which contains high amounts of Fe, Cu, Zn, Pb, and Ni and woodwardite that is characterized by Cu, Zn, Ni, Y, and Ce. These precipitates were examined in order to evaluate the presence of fungal strains and to extract bacteria DNA. The preliminary results of fungi characterization show an interesting and selected mycobiota able to survive under unfavourable environmental conditions. A significant number of fungal strains was isolated in pure culture. Most of them belong to the genus Mucor and Penicillium. It is worth noting the presence of Trametes versicolor, a macrofungal lignicolous species already known for heavy metal biosorption capability from aqueous solution (Gülay et al 2003). The same colloidal precipitates have been processed to extract bacteria DNA, using a specific procedure developed for DNA extraction from sediments. The results gave a good yield of nucleic acids and the positive PCR amplification of 16S rDNA accomplished the first step for future metagenomic analysis. Gülay B., Sema B., M. Yakup A.. 2003 Biosorption of heavy metal ions on immobilized white-rot fungus Trametes versicolor. Journal of Hazardous Materials B101 (2003) 285-300

Dad Was a Terrible Hard Worker: The Influence of Family and School on Dublin's Men's Working Lives--Preliminary Findings. CLMS Working Paper.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Goodwin, John

The influences that home, family, and education have on Irish men's experiences of working life are explored based on interviews and questionnaire research carried out in North Dublin during 1997 and 1998. A two-stage research design was adopted. The first stage involved a short attitudinal-type questionnaire given to men at a sporting club. The…

A pilot-study of a worksite based participatory intervention program: Its acceptability and short-term effects on work climate and attitudes in human service employees.

PubMed

Nylén, Eva Charlotta; Lindfors, Petra; Ishäll, Lars; Göransson, Sara; Aronsson, Gunnar; Kylin, Camilla; Sverke, Magnus

2017-01-01

Psychosocial factors, including job demands and poor resources, have been linked to stress, health problems, and negative job attitudes. However, worksite based interventions and programs targeting psychosocial factors may change employees' perceptions of their work climate and work attitudes. This pilot study describes a newly developed worksite based participatory organizational intervention program that was tested in the social service sector. It is evaluated using participants' perceptions of the intervention to investigate its acceptability as a feature of feasibility and its short-term effects on work climate factors (job demands and resources) and work-related attitudes. Forty employees of a Swedish social service unit provided self-reports before, during, and after the intervention. As for effects, quantitative role overload and social support decreased while turnover intention increased. Responses to an open-ended question showed that participants considered the intervention program valuable for addressing issues relating to the psychosocial work climate. Although the findings are preliminary, it was possible to carry out this worksite based participatory organizational program in this particular setting. Also, the preliminary findings underscore the challenges associated with designing and implementing this type of intervention program, thus adding to the methodological discussion on implementation and evaluation.

Preliminary design of a satellite observation system for Space Station Freedom

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Cabe, Greg (Editor); Gallagher, Chris; Wilson, Brian; Rehfeld, James; Maurer, Alexa; Stern, Dan; Nualart, Jaime; Le, Xuan-Trang

1992-01-01

Degobah Satellite Systems (DSS), in cooperation with the University Space Research Association (USRA), NASA - Johnson Space Center (JSC), and the University of Texas, has completed the preliminary design of a satellite system to provide inexpensive on-demand video images of all or any portion of Space Station Freedom (SSF). DSS has narrowed the scope of the project to complement the work done by Mr. Dennis Wells at Johnson Space Center. This three month project has resulted in completion of the preliminary design of AERCAM, the Autonomous Extravehicular Robotic Camera, detailed in this design report. This report begins by providing information on the project background, describing the mission objectives, constraints, and assumptions. Preliminary designs for the primary concept and satellite subsystems are then discussed in detail. Included in the technical portion of the report are detailed descriptions of an advanced imaging system and docking and safing systems that ensure compatibility with the SSF. The report concludes by describing management procedures and project costs.

9.4T Human MRI: Preliminary Results

PubMed Central

Vaughan, Thomas; DelaBarre, Lance; Snyder, Carl; Tian, Jinfeng; Akgun, Can; Shrivastava, Devashish; Liu, Wanzahn; Olson, Chris; Adriany, Gregor; Strupp, John; Andersen, Peter; Gopinath, Anand; van de Moortele, Pierre-Francois; Garwood, Michael; Ugurbil, Kamil

2014-01-01

This work reports the preliminary results of the first human images at the new high-field benchmark of 9.4T. A 65-cm-diameter bore magnet was used together with an asymmetric 40-cm-diameter head gradient and shim set. A multichannel transmission line (transverse electromagnetic (TEM)) head coil was driven by a programmable parallel transceiver to control the relative phase and magnitude of each channel independently. These new RF field control methods facilitated compensation for RF artifacts attributed to destructive interference patterns, in order to achieve homogeneous 9.4T head images or localize anatomic targets. Prior to FDA investigational device exemptions (IDEs) and internal review board (IRB)-approved human studies, preliminary RF safety studies were performed on porcine models. These data are reported together with exit interview results from the first 44 human volunteers. Although several points for improvement are discussed, the preliminary results demonstrate the feasibility of safe and successful human imaging at 9.4T. PMID:17075852

Accommodating a social work student with a speech impairment: the shared experience of a student and instructor.

PubMed

Calderwood, Kimberly; Degenhardt, Jonathan

2010-01-01

This ethnographic study describes the results of a collaborative journaling process that occurred between a student and his instructor of a second-year social work communications course. Many questions from the student's and the instructor's perspectives are raised regarding accommodating the student with a severe speech impairment in a course that specifically focuses on communication skills. Preliminary recommendations are made for social work students and professionals with communication limitations, and for social work educators.

A Preliminary Typology of Organisational Response to Allegations of Workplace Bullying: See No Evil, Hear No Evil, Speak No Evil. A Personal View

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Ferris, Patricia

2004-01-01

Organisational representative response is an important factor to consider when counselling employees who have experienced bullying and are considering approaching their organisation for assistance. The author argues that not all responses are supportive and that some responses can further harm an employee. The author presents a review of…

Intonation Features of the Expression of Emotions in Spanish: Preliminary Study for a Prosody Assessment Procedure

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Martinez-Castilla, Pastora; Peppe, Susan

2008-01-01

This study aimed to find out what intonation features reliably represent the emotions of "liking" as opposed to "disliking" in the Spanish language, with a view to designing a prosody assessment procedure for use with children with speech and language disorders. 18 intonationally different prosodic realisations (tokens) of one word (limon) were…

Compassion, Caring and Justice: Teachers' Strategies to Maintain Moral Integrity in the Face of National Hostility to the "Non-Citizen"

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Arnot, Madeleine; Pinson, Halleli; Candappa, Mano

2009-01-01

Refugees commonly have just one remaining identity--that of being stateless and statusless. They represent the ultimate "other in our midst". The humanism of our teachers in helping the children of asylum-seekers and refugees is tested by the state, especially its immigration policy. This paper offers preliminary research findings on…

Relevance of antarctic microbial ecosystems to exobiology

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Mckay, Christopher P.

1993-01-01

Antarctic microbial ecosystems which provide biological and physical analogs that can be used in exobiology are studied. Since the access to extraterrestrial habitats is extremely difficult, terrestrial analogs represent the best opportunity for both formulation and preliminary testing of hypothesis about life. Antarctica, as one of few suitable environments on earth is considered to be a major locus of progress in exobiology.

Report of the Planning Commission for a New University at Boca Raton.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Florida State Dept. of Education, Tallahassee.

Following the decision to establish a new university at Boca Raton, the Board of Control of Florida's Board of Education appointed a committee to revise, refine and develop plans for the new institution and to make preliminary estimates of space requirements and costs. The plans and proposals in this report represent a thorough study by the…

Maryland State Department of Education: Analysis of the Voluntary State Curriculum (VSC) in Science Grades Pre-K-8

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Achieve, Inc., 2005

2005-01-01

In response to a proposal request from the state, Achieve reviewed the draft of Maryland's Pre-K-8 Voluntary State Curriculum (VSC) in Science (dated May 2004). This preliminary report summarizes their findings and also reflects the discussion that followed their presentation to representatives of the Maryland State Department of Education on…

Beyond the Total Score: A Preliminary Investigation into the Types of Phonological Awareness Errors Made by First Graders

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Hayward, Denyse V.; Annable, Caitlin D.; Fung, Jennifer E.; Williamson, Robert D.; Lovell-Johnston, Meridith A.; Phillips, Linda M.

2017-01-01

Current phonological awareness assessment procedures consider only the total score a child achieves. Such an approach may result in children who achieve the same total score receiving the same instruction even though the configuration of their errors represent fundamental knowledge differences. The purpose of this study was to develop a tool for…

A Teacher's Exploratory Inquiry of Language Awareness: Language Learner Perceptions from Oral Presentations

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Leichsenring, Andrew

2015-01-01

This paper presents a teacher-led inquiry into learner language awareness and learner perceptions of: oral presentations using first language (L1) support when using a second language (L2); and L2 learner and user identity. The quantitative-based results of this preliminary inquiry represent a source of understanding for the researcher, who later,…

What Constitutes Poor Teaching? A Preliminary Inquiry into the Misbehaviors of Not-So-Good Instructors

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Busler, Jessica; Kirk, Claire; Keeley, Jared; Buskist, William

2017-01-01

Across three phases, we investigated college students' perceptions of poor college teaching to develop a typology of poor teaching behaviors. In Phase 1, students generated a list of qualities representative of poor teaching. In Phase 2, another group of students assigned behavioral correspondents to these qualities, resulting in a list of 15 poor…

LDEF: 69 Months in Space. First Post-Retrieval Symposium, part 3

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Levine, Arlene S. (Editor)

1992-01-01

A compilation of papers presented at the First Long Duration Exposure Facility (LDEF) Post-Retrieval Symposium is presented. The papers represent the preliminary data analysis of the 57 experiments flown on the LDEF. The experiments include materials, coatings, thermal systems, power and propulsion, science (cosmic ray, interstellar gas, heavy ions, and micrometeoroid), electronics, optics, and life sciences.

A Preliminary Report on the Status of Women at Princeton University.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

National Organization for Women, Princeton, NJ. Central New Jersey Chapter.

Women are under-represented at all levels of the Princeton faculty (3.27%) and are most noticeably absent from the highest levels. Fifty-five percent of the men and 11.5% of the women are in the top two professorial ranks. Eighty percent of the men, in contrast to 40% of the women, hold regular faculty positions. The "visiting" faculty…

Tech Prep Implementation and Preliminary Student Outcomes for Eight Local Tech Prep Consortia.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Bragg, Debra D.; Dare, Donna E.; Reger, W. M., IV; Ovaice, Ghazala; Zamani, Eboni M.; Layton, James D.; Dornsife, Carolyn J.; Vallee, Manuel; Brown, Carrie H.; Orr, Margaret Terry

The implementation and student outcomes of Tech Prep were examined in a study of eight consortia that represented a range of Tech Prep models and approaches in urban, suburban, and rural locations across the United States. Data were collected from the following sources: field visits; follow-up survey of Tech Prep participants and nonparticipants;…

Skull Bone Defects Reconstruction with Custom-Made Titanium Graft shaped with Electron Beam Melting Technology: Preliminary Experience in a Series of Ten Patients.

PubMed

Francaviglia, Natale; Maugeri, Rosario; Odierna Contino, Antonino; Meli, Francesco; Fiorenza, Vito; Costantino, Gabriele; Giammalva, Roberto Giuseppe; Iacopino, Domenico Gerardo

2017-01-01

Cranioplasty represents a challenge in neurosurgery. Its goal is not only plastic reconstruction of the skull but also to restore and preserve cranial function, to improve cerebral hemodynamics, and to provide mechanical protection of the neural structures. The ideal material for the reconstructive procedures and the surgical timing are still controversial. Many alloplastic materials are available for performing cranioplasty and among these, titanium still represents a widely proven and accepted choice. The aim of our study was to present our preliminary experience with a "custom-made" cranioplasty, using electron beam melting (EBM) technology, in a series of ten patients. EBM is a new sintering method for shaping titanium powder directly in three-dimensional (3D) implants. To the best of our knowledge this is the first report of a skull reconstruction performed by this technique. In a 1-year follow-up no postoperative complications have been observed and good clinical and esthetic outcomes were achieved. Costs higher than those for other types of titanium mesh, a longer production process, and the greater expertise needed for this technique are compensated by the achievement of most complex skull reconstructions with a shorter operative time.

Preliminary assessment of several parameters to measure and compare usefulness of the CEOS reference pseudo-invariant calibration sites

USGS Publications Warehouse

Chander, Gyanesh; Angal, Amit; Xiong, Xiaoxiong; Helder, Dennis L.; Mishra, Nischal; Choi, Taeyoung; Wu, Aisheng

2010-01-01

Test sites are central to any future quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) strategy. The Committee on Earth Observation Satellites (CEOS) Working Group for Calibration and Validation (WGCV) Infrared Visible Optical Sensors (IVOS) worked with collaborators around the world to establish a core set of CEOS-endorsed, globally distributed, reference standard test sites (both instrumented and pseudo-invariant) for the post-launch calibration of space-based optical imaging sensors. The pseudo-invariant calibration sites (PICS) have high reflectance and are usually made up of sand dunes with low aerosol loading and practically no vegetation. The goal of this paper is to provide preliminary assessment of "several parameters" than can be used on an operational basis to compare and measure usefulness of reference sites all over the world. The data from Landsat 7 (L7) Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) and the Earth Observing-1 (EO-1) Hyperion sensors over the CEOS PICS were used to perform a preliminary assessment of several parameters, such as usable area, data availability, top-of-atmosphere (TOA) reflectance, at-sensor brightness temperature, spatial uniformity, temporal stability, spectral stability, and typical spectrum observed over the sites.

A History of Black Religion in Southern Areas: A Preliminary Survey.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Davis, Lenwood G.

In his introduction to this bibliography--which is organized into sections dealing with selected general reference works, selected black periodicals, and books--the compiler notes that this work is appropriate because a distinction should be made between the religion of Blacks in the North and the religion of Blacks in the South. There is also a…

Sectorial Relations & Chicago School Reform: A Preliminary View from the Foundation Sector. A Working Paper.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

McKersie, William S.

Are sectorial relations among nonprofit organizations, business, and government truly dependent, or are they instead a complex mix of dependent and independent actions? This working paper is based on a dissertation in progress, which is a comparative analysis of how private foundations influence the reform of urban public education. It compares…

Stimulant Medication and Prefrontal Functional Connectivity during Working Memory in ADHD: A Preliminary Report

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Sheridan, Margaret A.; Hinshaw, Stephen; D'Esposito, Mark

2010-01-01

Objective: Recent theoretical and empirical work suggests that while unmedicated, children with ADHD have a deficit in subcortical processing that leads to greater and more varied prefrontal cortical (PFC) activation, compared to (a) age-matched control participants and (b) their own brain activity while on stimulant medication. This pattern has…

New Rules, New Roles? The Professional Work Lives of Charter School Teachers. A Preliminary Study.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Koppich, Julia E.; Holmes, Patricia; Plecki, Margaret L.

This study examines the teaching conditions of educators working in charter schools, exploring the involvement of teachers' unions and associations. Data came from a literature review, a teacher survey, and five case studies in various types of charter schools. Results from the literature review indicate that: state charter statutes are…

Lie algebraic approach to valence bond theory of π-electron systems: a preliminary study of excited states

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Paldus, J.; Li, X.

1992-10-01

Following a brief outline of various developments and exploitations of the unitary group approach (UGA), and its extension referred to as Clifford algebra UGA (CAUGA), in molecular electronic structure calculations, we present a summary of a recently introduced implementation of CAUGA for the valence bond (VB) method based on the Pariser-Parr-Pople (PPP)-type Hamiltonian. The existing applications of this PPP-VB approach have been limited to groundstates of various π-electron systems or, at any rate, to the lowest states of a given multiplicity. In this paper the method is applied to the low-lying excited states of several archetypal models, namely cyclobutadiene and benzene, representing antiaromatic and aromatic systems, hexatriene, representing linear polyenic systems and, finally, naphthalene, representing polyacenes.

Representativeness of direct observations selected using a work-sampling equation.

PubMed

Sharp, Rebecca A; Mudford, Oliver C; Elliffe, Douglas

2015-01-01

Deciding on appropriate sampling to obtain representative samples of behavior is important but not straightforward, because the relative duration of the target behavior may affect its observation in a given sampling interval. Work-sampling methods, which offer a way to adjust the frequency of sampling according to a priori or ongoing estimates of the behavior to achieve a preselected level of representativeness, may provide a solution. Full-week observations of 7 behaviors were conducted for 3 students with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disabilities. Work-sampling methods were used to select momentary time samples from the full time-of-interest, which produced representative samples. However, work sampling required impractically high numbers of time samples to obtain representative samples. More practical momentary time samples produced less representative samples, particularly for low-duration behaviors. The utility and limits of work-sampling methods for applied behavior analysis are discussed. © Society for the Experimental Analysis of Behavior.

[A group cognitive behavioral intervention for people registered in supported employment programs: CBT-SE].

PubMed

Lecomte, T; Corbière, M; Lysaker, P H

2014-06-01

Supported employment programs are highly effective in helping people with severe mental illness obtain competitive jobs quickly. However, job tenure is often a problem for many. Of the various obstacles to job tenure documented, dysfunctional beliefs regarding the workplace and one's own abilities has been proposed as a therapeutic target. The purpose of this article is threefold: (1) to describe the development and the content of a novel group cognitive behavioral intervention designed to increase job tenure for people receiving supported employment services; (2) to present the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention; and (3) to investigate some preliminary data regarding employment outcomes. A group CBT intervention offered during 8 sessions over the course of one month, in order to respect the rapid job search principle of IPS (individual placement and support), was developed. The content was tailored to facilitate the learning of skills specific to the workplace, such as recognizing and managing one's stressors at work, determining and modifying dysfunctional thoughts (e.g. not jumping to conclusions, finding alternatives, seeking facts), overcoming obstacles (e.g. problem solving), improving one's self-esteem as a worker (recognizing strengths and qualities), dealing with criticism, using positive assertiveness, finding coping strategies (for symptoms and stress) to use at work, negotiating work accommodations and overcoming stigma. A trial is currently underway, with half the participants receiving supported employment as well as CBT-SE and the other half receiving only supported employment. A subsample of the first 24 participants having completed the 12-month follow-up were used for the analyses, including 12 having received at least 3 sessions out of the 8 group sessions and 12 receiving only supported employment. Feasibility and acceptability were determined by the group therapists' feedback, the participants' feedback as well as attendance to group sessions. The work outcomes looked at with the preliminary sample only included the 12-month follow-up and involved: obtaining a competitive job, number of hours worked per week as well as number of weeks worked at the same job (>24hours). In terms of feasibility and acceptability, therapists and participants all mentioned appreciating the group, finding it useful and helpful, some even mentioning feeling grateful to have had the opportunity to receive the intervention. The only negative feedback received pertained to the frequency of the meetings, which could be brought down to one meeting per week of two hours instead of two one-hour sessions per week. Participation was very good, with the average number of sessions attended being of 6/8. In terms of work outcomes, 50 % of all participants in both conditions found competitive work. Out of those working competitively, the number of participants working more than 24hours per week at the 12-month follow-up was higher in the CBT-SE group compared to the control condition (75 % vs. 50 %). Similarly, there was a trend towards the number of consecutive weeks worked at the same job being slightly superior at the 12-month follow-up for those who had received the CBT-SE intervention (22.5 weeks vs. 18.3 weeks). The preliminary results support previous studies where on average 50 % of people registered in supported employment programs obtain competitive work. We confirmed that the intervention was feasible and acceptable. Preliminary data suggest that the CBT-SE intervention might help people with severe mental illness use skills and gain the needed confidence enabling them to work longer hours and consecutive weeks. These results should be considered with caution given that only 24 participants were looked at whereas the final sample size will be of 160 participants. Nonetheless, these preliminary results are promising. Furthermore, additional information regarding the impact of the CBT-SE intervention on the capacity to overcome obstacles at work, self-esteem as a worker, as well as other work-related variables have been collected but have not been investigated here. Once the study is completed, the results should enlighten us regarding the usefulness of offering CBT-SE not only in terms of work outcomes but also in improving various psychosocial domains linked to workplace satisfaction. Copyright © 2014. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS.

Social Resistance Framework for Understanding High-Risk Behavior Among Nondominant Minorities: Preliminary Evidence

PubMed Central

Williams, David R.; Kawachi, Ichiro

2013-01-01

Objectives. The recently developed social resistance framework addresses a widespread pattern in which members of some nondominant minorities tend to engage in various risky and unhealthy behaviors more than the majority group. This pilot study tested the core hypotheses derived from this innovative framework. Methods. We conducted in 2011 a nationally representative Web-based survey of 200 members of a nondominant minority group (African Americans) and 200 members of a majority group (Whites). Results. The preliminary findings supported the main premises of the framework and suggested that nondominant minorities who felt discriminated and alienated from society tended also to have higher levels of social resistance. Those with higher levels of social resistance also engaged more in risky and unhealthy behaviors—smoking, drinking, and nonuse of seat belts—than did those with lower levels of social resistance. These associations were not found in the majority group. Conclusions. These preliminary results supported the framework and suggested that social resistance might play a meaningful role in risky and unhealthy behaviors of nondominant minorities, and should be taken into account when trying to reduce health disparities. PMID:23597381

Characterization of the Murine Myeloid Precursor Cell Line MuMac-E8

PubMed Central

Fricke, Stephan; Riemschneider, Sina; Kohlschmidt, Janine; Hilger, Nadja; Fueldner, Christiane; Knauer, Jens; Sack, Ulrich; Emmrich, Frank; Lehmann, Jörg

2014-01-01

Starting point for the present work was the assumption that the cell line MuMac-E8 represents a murine cell population with stem cell properties. Preliminary studies already pointed to the expression of stem-cell associated markers and a self-regenerative potential of the cells. The cell line MuMac-E8 should be examined for their differential stage within stem cell hierarchy. MuMac-E8 cells were derived from a chimeric mouse model of arthritis. It could be shown that MuMac-E8 cells express mRNA of some genes associated with pluripotent stem cells (Nanog, Nucleostemin), of genes for hematopoietic markers (EPCR, Sca-1, CD11b, CD45), for the mesenchymal marker CD105 and of genes for the neural markers Pax-6 and Ezrin. In methylcellulose and May-Grünwald-Giemsa staining, hematopoietic colonies were obtained but the hematopoietic system of lethally irradiated mice could not be rescued. Osteogenic differentiation was not detectable. Thus, it became evident that MuMac-E8 represents not a stem cell line. However, MuMac-E8 cells expressed several myeloid surface markers (i.e. CD11b, F4/80, CD14, CD64), showed phagocytosis and is capable of producing nitric oxide. Thus, this cell line seems to be arrested an advanced stage of myeloid differentiation. Adherence data measured by impedance-based real-time cell analysis together with cell morphology data suggested that MuMac-E8 represents a new macrophage precursor cell line exhibiting weak adherence. This cell line is suitable as an in-vitro model for testing of macrophage functions. Moreover, it might be also useful for differentiation or reprogramming studies. PMID:25546418

48 CFR 19.505 - Rejecting Small Business Administration recommendations.

Code of Federal Regulations, 2010 CFR

2010-10-01

... to the appropriate SBA representative within 5 working days of the contracting officer's receipt of... contracting activity (or designee) within 2 working days after receiving the notice. The head of the... representative within 7 working days. Pending issuance of a decision to the SBA representative, the contracting...

Man-Machine Communication in Remote Manipulation: Task-Oriented Supervisory Command Language (TOSC).

DTIC Science & Technology

1980-03-01

ORIENTED SUPERVISORY CONTROL SYSTEM METHODOLOGY 3-1 3.1 Overview 3-1 3.2 Background 3-3 3.2.1 General 3-3 3.2.2 Preliminary Principles of Command Language...Design 3-4 3.2.3 Preliminary Principles of Feedback Display Design 3-9 3.3 Man-Machine Communication Models 3-12 3.3.1 Background 3-12 3.3.2 Adapted...and feedback mode. The work ends with the presentation of a performance prediction model and a set of principles and guidelines, applicable to the

Phase B: Final definition and preliminary design study for the initial Atmospheric Cloud Physics Laboratory (ACPL), a spacelab mission payload

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1976-01-01

A preliminary identification of the Supporting Research and Technology (SR&T) necessary during the planned evolution of atmospheric cloud physics is discussed. All requirements are for subsequent flights over its expected ten year lifetime. Those components identified as requiring some SR&T work prior to inclusion are listed. A data sheet is included for each item, briefly justifying the need, giving general objectives for the proposed development effort and identifying approximate schedule requirements on the program.

ECR plasma thruster research - Preliminary theory and experiments

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Sercel, Joel C.; Fitzgerald, Dennis J.

1989-01-01

A preliminary theory of the operation of the electron-cyclotron-resonance (ECR) plasma thruster is described along with an outline of recent experiments. This work is presented to communicate the status of an ongoing research effort directed at developing a unified theory to quantitatively describe the operation of the ECR plasma thruster. The theory is presented as a set of nonlinear ordinary differential equations and boundary conditions which describe the plasma density, velocity, and electron temperature. Diagnostic tools developed to measure plasma conditions in the existing research device are described.

Electrical termination techniques

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Oakey, W. E.; Schleicher, R. R.

1976-01-01

A technical review of high reliability electrical terminations for electronic equipment was made. Seven techniques were selected from this review for further investigation, experimental work, and preliminary testing. From the preliminary test results, four techniques were selected for final testing and evaluation. These four were: (1) induction soldering, (2) wire wrap, (3) percussive arc welding, and (4) resistance welding. Of these four, induction soldering was selected as the best technique in terms of minimizing operator errors, controlling temperature and time, minimizing joint contamination, and ultimately producing a reliable, uniform, and reusable electrical termination.

Expert System Approach For Generating And Evaluating Engine Design Alternatives

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Shen, Stewart N. T.; Chew, Meng-Sang; Issa, Ghassan F.

1989-03-01

Artificial intelligence is becoming an increasingly important subject of study for computer scientists, engineering designers, as well as professionals in other fields. Even though AI technology is a relatively new discipline, many of its concepts have already found practical applications. Expert systems, in particular, have made significant contributions to technologies in such fields as business, medicine, engineering design, chemistry, and particle physics. This paper describes an expert system developed to aid the mechanical designer with the preliminary design of variable-stroke internal-combustion engines. The expert system accomplished its task by generating and evaluating a large number of design alternatives represented in the form of graphs. Through the application of structural and design rules directly to the graphs, optimal and near optimal preliminary design configurations of engines are deduced.

Preliminary Cluster Analysis For Several Representatives Of Genus Kerivoula (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) in Borneo

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hasan, Noor Haliza; Abdullah, M. T.

2008-01-01

The aim of the study is to use cluster analysis on morphometric parameters within the genus Kerivoula to produce a dendrogram and to determine the suitability of this method to describe the relationship among species within this genus. A total of 15 adult male individuals from genus Kerivoula taken from sampling trips around Borneo and specimens kept at the zoological museum of Universiti Malaysia Sarawak were examined. A total of 27 characters using dental, skull and external body measurements were recorded. Clustering analysis illustrated the grouping and morphometric relationships between the species of this genus. It has clearly separated each species from each other despite the overlapping of measurements of some species within the genus. Cluster analysis provides an alternative approach to make a preliminary identification of a species.

Development of an alkaline fuel cell subsystem

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

1987-01-01

A two task program was initiated to develop advanced fuel cell components which could be assembled into an alkaline power section for the Space Station Prototype (SSP) fuel cell subsystem. The first task was to establish a preliminary SSP power section design to be representative of the 200 cell Space Station power section. The second task was to conduct tooling and fabrication trials and fabrication of selected cell stack components. A lightweight, reliable cell stack design suitable for the SSP regenerative fuel cell power plant was completed. The design meets NASA's preliminary requirements for future multikilowatt Space Station missions. Cell stack component fabrication and tooling trials demonstrated cell components of the SSP stack design of the 1.0 sq ft area can be manufactured using techniques and methods previously evaluated and developed.

A study of TRIGLYCINE SULFATE (TGS) crystals from the International Microgravity Laboratory Mission (IML-1)

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Lal, R. B.

1992-01-01

Preliminary evaluation of the data was made during the hologram processing procedure. A few representative holograms were selected and reconstructed in the HGS; photographs of sample particle images were made to illustrate the resolution of all three particle sizes. Based on these evaluations slight modifications were requested in the hologram processing procedure to optimize the hologram exposure in the vicinity of the crystal. Preliminary looks at the data showed that we are able to see and track all three sizes of particles throughout the chamber. Because of the vast amount of data available in the holograms, it was recommended that we produce a detailed data reduction plan with prioritization on the different types of data which can be extracted from the holograms.

Magnetohydrodynamic Augmented Propulsion Experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Litchford, Ron J.

2008-01-01

Over the past several years, efforts have been under way to design and develop an operationally flexible research facility for investigating the use of cross-field MHD accelerators as a potential thrust augmentation device for thermal propulsion systems. The baseline configuration for this high-power experimental facility utilizes a 1.5-MWe multi-gas arc-heater as a thermal driver for a 2-MWe MHD accelerator, which resides in a large-bore 2-tesla electromagnet. A preliminary design study using NaK seeded nitrogen as the working fluid led to an externally diagonalized segmented MHD channel configuration based on an expendable heat-sink design concept. The current status report includes a review of engineering/design work and performance optimization analyses and summarizes component hardware fabrication and development efforts, preliminary testing results, and recent progress toward full-up assembly and testing

Status of Magnetohydrodynamic Augmented Propulsion Experiment

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Litchford, Ron J.; Lineberry, John T.

2007-01-01

Over the past several years, efforts have been under way to design and develop an operationally flexible research facility for investigating the use of cross-field MHD accelerators as a potential thrust augmentation device for thermal propulsion systems, The baseline configuration for this high-power experimental facility utilizes a 1,5-MW, multi-gas arc-heater as a thermal driver for a 2-MW, MHD accelerator, which resides in a large-bore 2-tesla electromagnet. A preliminary design study using NaK seeded nitrogen as the working fluid led to an externally diagonalized segmented MHD channel configuration based on an expendable beat-sink design concept. The current status report includes a review of engineering/design work and performance optimization analyses and summarizes component hardware fabrication and development efforts, preliminary testing results, and recent progress toward full-up assembly and testing

Catalyst and process development for the H/sub 2/ preparation from future fuel cell feedstocks. Quarterly progress report, October 1, 1978-December 31, 1978

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Yarrington, R M; Feins, I R; Hwang, H S

1979-01-01

The work done under this contract in the last quarter of 1978 was concerned with Phase I, which involved preliminary catalyst and process evaluation. The processes under study are hydrogen assisted steam reforming (HASR), catalytic partial oxidation (CPO), and autothermal steam reforming (ATR). Existing Engelhard test units were modified to carry out preliminary runs using the first two processes. Technical analysis to support work in this area consisted of heat and material balances constrained by equilibrium considerations. In a third task, the steam reforming of methanol to produce hydrogen was studied over two commercial low-temperature shift catalysts. Aging runs indicatedmore » good initial performance on both catalysts, but methanol conversion started to decline after a few hundred hours on stream.« less

Representativeness comparisons of nurse and computer charting of heart rate across nursing-intensity protocols.

PubMed

Luna, Jorge M; Yip, Natalie; Pivovarov, Rimma; Vawdrey, David K

2016-08-01

Clinical teams in acute inpatient settings can greatly benefit from automated charting technologies that continuously monitor patient vital status. NewYork-Presbyterian has designed and developed a real-time patient monitoring system that integrates vital signs sensors, networking, and electronic health records, to allow for automatic charting of patient status. We evaluate the representativeness (a combination of agreement, safety and timing) of a core vital sign across nursing intensity care protocols for preliminary feasibility assessment. Our findings suggest an automated way of summarizing heart rate provides representation of true heart rate status and can facilitate alternatives approaches to burdensome manual nurse charting of physiological parameters.

Complementation studies in Niemann-Pick disease type C indicate the existence of a second group.

PubMed Central

Steinberg, S J; Ward, C P; Fensom, A H

1994-01-01

Niemann-Pick disease type C is a clinically heterogeneous storage disorder with an unknown primary metabolic defect. We have undertaken somatic cell hybridisation experiments using skin fibroblast strains from 12 patients representing a wide clinical spectrum. Preliminary experiments using filipin staining of free cholesterol as a marker for complementation indicated the existence of one major group (group alpha) and one minor group (group beta) represented by one mutant strain. Subsequent experiments in which sphingomyelinase activity was measured as a marker for complementation using five mutant strains showing activity consistently < 40% control levels confirmed the existence of the second group. Images PMID:8071958

The effect of the sea on hazard assessment for tephra fallout at Campi Flegrei: a preliminary approach through the use of pyPHaz, an open tool to analyze and visualize probabilistic hazards

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Tonini, Roberto; Sandri, Laura; Costa, Antonio; Selva, Jacopo

2014-05-01

Campi Flegrei (CF) is a large volcanic field located west of the Gulf of Naples, characterized by a wide and almost circular caldera which is partially submerged beneath the Gulf of Pozzuoli. It is known that the magma-water interaction is a key element to determine the character of submarine eruptions and their impact on the surrounding areas, but this phenomenon is still not well understood and it is rarely considered in hazard assessment. The aim of the present work is to present a preliminary study of the effect of the sea on the tephra fall hazard from CF on the municipality of Naples, by introducing a variability in the probability of tephra production according to the eruptive scale (defined on the basis of the erupted volume) and the depth of the opening submerged vents. Four different Probabilistic Volcanic Hazard Assessment (PVHA) models have been defined through the application of the model BET_VH at CF, by accounting for different modeling procedures and assumptions for the submerged part of the caldera. In particular, we take into account: 1) the effect of the sea as null, i.e. as if the water were not present; 2) the effect of the sea as a cap that totally blocks the explosivity of eruptions and consequently the tephra production; 3) an ensemble model between the two models described at the previous points 1) and 2); 4) a variable probability of tephra production depending on the depth of the submerged vent. The PVHA models are then input to pyPHaz, a tool developed and designed at INGV to visualize, analyze and merge into ensemble models PVHA's results and, potentially, any other kind of probabilistic hazard assessment, both natural and anthropic, in order to evaluate the importance of considering a variability among subaerial and submerged vents on tephra fallout hazard from CF in Naples. The analysis is preliminary and does not pretend to be exhaustive, but on one hand it represents a starting point for future works; on the other hand, it is a good case study to show the potentiality of the pyPHaz tool that, thanks to a dedicated Graphical User Interface (GUI), allows to interactively manage and visualize results of probabilistic hazards (hazard curves together with probability and hazard maps for different levels of uncertainties), and to compare or merge different hazard models producing ensemble models. This work has been developed in the framework of two Italian projects, "ByMuR (Bayesian Multi-Risk Assessment: a case study for natural risks in the city of Naples)" funded by the Italian Ministry of Education, Universities and Research (MIUR), and "V1: Probabilistic Volcanic Hazard Assessments" funded by the Italian Department of Civil Protection (DPC).

A Reassessment of Complementary Access Tools for Chemical Indicators

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Siskind, Barry; Stern, Warren; Henzl, Vladimir

2016-04-01

The Complementary Access Working Group (CAWG) was set up as a multi-laboratory team with members from Brookhaven National Laboratory (BNL), Idaho National Laboratory (INL), Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL), and Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) under the direction and funding provided by National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) through NA-241, Next Generation Safeguards Initiative (NGSI). During FY 13 the CAWG evaluated proliferation indicators based largely on a review of the 1996 version of the IAEA’s Physical Model (Phase 1). During FYs 13 and 14, the CAWG then selected technologies and specific portable and hand-held devices that could be used by the IAEAmore » to identify the chemical compositions of materials found during complementary access (Phase 2). [Note that in this report “chemical” is used in a broad sense to include elements, metals, and alloys as well as chemical compounds.] In November 2014, the CAWG issued its Phase 3 report describing laboratory and field testing of three devices, each device representing a specific technology that the CAWG had selected as a result of the Phase 1 and Phase 2 activities. LANL and BNL continued measurements and analysis during FY15, leading to a reinterpretation of some of the Phase 3 results. This report serves a twofold purpose. The first section of the report compares and contrasts the Phase 3 testing with presently available preliminary results of the Karlsruhe workshop. The results of Phase 3 (and the reinterpretation of some of these results) as well as the preliminary results of the Karlsruhe workshop provide the rationale for the second section of this report. In Section 2 of this report, we revisit the combinations of signatures and technologies considered in Phases 2 and 3 of the CAWG effort. We do this to determine whether the three technologies and the matching instruments selected for the Phase 3 testing are more limited than initially thought. Based on this initial re-evaluation of the technologies considered under Phase 2, we provide a preliminary re-ranking of the suggested tools for detection of chemical indicators during complementary access.« less

Space Weather Action Plan Solar Radio Burst Phase 1 Benchmarks and the Steps to Phase 2

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Biesecker, D. A.; White, S. M.; Gopalswamy, N.; Black, C.; Love, J. J.; Pierson, J.

2017-12-01

Solar radio bursts, when at the right frequency and when strong enough, can interfere with radar, communication, and tracking signals. In severe cases, radio bursts can inhibit the successful use of radio communications and disrupt a wide range of systems that are reliant on Position, Navigation, and Timing services on timescales ranging from minutes to hours across wide areas on the dayside of Earth. The White House's Space Weather Action Plan asked for solar radio burst intensity benchmarks for an event occurrence frequency of 1 in 100 years and also a theoretical maximum intensity benchmark. The benchmark team has developed preliminary (phase 1) benchmarks for the VHF (30-300 MHz), UHF (300-3000 MHz), GPS (1176-1602 MHz), F10.7 (2800 MHz), and Microwave (4000-20000) bands. The preliminary benchmarks were derived based on previously published work. Limitations in the published work will be addressed in phase 2 of the benchmark process. In addition, deriving theoretical maxima requires additional work, where it is even possible to, in order to meet the Action Plan objectives. In this presentation, we will present the phase 1 benchmarks, the basis used to derive them, and the limitations of that work. We will also discuss the work that needs to be done to complete the phase 2 benchmarks.

[Mobbing, organizational dysfunction and bio-psycho-social effects: an integrated assessment. Preliminary data for the validation of the Questionnaire in the Neapoletan dialect on Distress at Work(Qn-DL)].

PubMed

Nolfe, Giovanni; Petrella, Claudio; Triassi, Maria; Zontini, Gemma; Uttieri, Simona; Pagliaro, Alessia; Blasi, Francesco; Cappuccio, Antonella; Nolfe, Giuseppe

2013-01-01

The aim of this study is to produce preliminary data about the validation of the "Naples-Questionnaire of Distress at Work" (nQ.DW). This inventory is a new assessment tool in order to evaluate the distress perceived in the working environment by means of the differentiation of the conditions linked to the mobbing from which related to organizational disfunction. The nQ-DW also measures the bio-psycho-social global effects of these two phenomena. The questionnaire has been administered to workers suffering of a psychopathological disturbance related to work distress and to a control group matched for the sociodemographic and working variables. The statistical analysis demonstrated a significant validity and reliability. The degree of internal coherence was satisfactory. The ROC curves allow the determination of a threshold value which allows to separate the workers subjected to mobbing and/or organizational stress from control-workers with an optimal reliability degree. The values of the area under the ROC curves show that the inventory has a high discriminating capacity. Future studies, based on a greater sample size, will be oriented to the analysis of the questionnaire by means of multivariate techniques like the factorial analysis.

Forced Folds and Craters of Elevation in the Afar

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hetherington, Rachel; Mussetti, Giulio; Hagos, Miruts; Deering, Chad; Corti, Giacomo; Magee, Craig; Ian, Bastow; van Wyk de Vries, Benjamin; Marques, Alvaro

2015-04-01

Uplifts caused by magma intrusion have been observed and mapped since the pioneering work of von Buch two hundred years ago. Von Buch's "Craters of elevation theory", developed in the Auvergne and Canaries, was, unfortunately, discredited and mostly forgotten until recent work has shown that the forced folds mapped in seismic sections in sedimentary basins are the same type of feature. Also, these magmatic bulges are being found on an increasing number of volcanoes. The Danakil region of Ethiopia contains a superb range of forced folds with craters of elevation, which we have mapped using Google Earth and other satellite imagery, and some ground truthing. This preliminary work provides a geological map that is inspired from the 1970 Barberi and Vallet map, and which sets out in detail the structure and lava flow units of this area. We describe the main structures of each uplift, and suggest a preliminary general structural evolutionary pattern that provides a model for future research. This work has been untertaken by a group from multiple universities sharing interpretations and data in an open format. We aim to continue this work to study these superb geological features. Their superb nature and preservation is such that we would also press for them to be made a geoheritage reserve of global importance: Either a Geopark or a World Heritage site.

Subjective Quality of Life in Zhuhai City, South China: A Public Survey Using the International Wellbeing Index

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Chen, Zhenghui; Davey, Gareth

2009-01-01

The study of subjective quality of life and its connotations in the People's Republic of China is at a preliminary stage. Although there is an emerging body of literature on this topic, there are few datasets representative of the general public, particularly in Mainland China. This paper reports the findings of a public survey (N = 449) conducted…

Space station assembly/servicing capabilities

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Joyce, Joseph

1986-01-01

The aim is to place a permanently manned space station on-orbit around the Earth, which is international in scope. The program is nearing the close of the system definition and preliminary design phase. The first shuttle launch for space station assembly on-orbit is estimated for January 1993. Topics perceived to be important to on-orbit assembly and servicing are discussed. This presentation is represented by charts.

Study to develop improved fire resistant aircraft passenger seat materials, phase 2

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Duskin, F. E.; Shook, W. H.; Trabold, E. L.; Spieth, H. H.

1978-01-01

Fire tests are reported of improved materials in multilayered combinations representative of cushion configurations. Tests were conducted to determine their thermal, smoke, and fire resistance characteristics. Additionally, a source fire consisting of one and one-half pounds of newspaper in a tented configuration was developed. Finally, a preliminary seat specification was written based upon materials data and general seat design criteria.

Preliminary Report of Alcohol and Other Drug Use among Ontario Students in 1983, and Trends since 1977.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Smart, Reginald G.; And Others

Since 1977, alcohol and drug use among Ontario students has been studied every 2 years. To examine the patterns of alcohol and other drug use among Ontario students in 1983, a randomized sample of 5,835 students, representing grades 5, 7, 9, 11, and 13, from four geographical regions, completed an anonymous questionnaire. An analysis of the…

The Development and Preliminary Evaluation of an Instrument to Measure the Vocational Interests of Low-Reading High School Students.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Lokan, Janice J.

A Vocational Interest Inventory was developed for vocational high school students with low reading level, short test-attention span, low IQ, and impoverished educational and family background. The VII, of which there are separate versions for boys and girls, consists of items representing job tasks, for each of which the respondent indicates his…

Seaworthiness Predictions for Two Preliminary CSGN Designs

DTIC Science & Technology

1976-09-01

desired significant wave height in feet. The modal wave period represents the period corresponding to the maximum energy or peak of the wave energy ...SPEED 1S *F8.2. ’.H KTS "lR.?7MSIGNIFICANT WAVE HElION ! I S .FS.2.3" FT// I TI. IHWAE PERI O. 31.2mS T FS. 1 9110.1) 808 PORMAT (F 15.?.4110, 609

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Not Available

The Environmental Engineering Committee conducted a preliminary review of the above document in March 1986, and identified obvious errors or omissions which are explained in detail in its initial report. The Office of Solid Waste asked the Committee to review the final draft ACL guidance when it was ready for publications in the Federal Register. This report represents the Committee's review of the final draft which was found to be well-written and technically sound.

Earth Sciences Requirements for the Information Sciences Experiment System

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Bowker, David E. (Editor); Katzberg, Steve J. (Editor); Wilson, R. Gale (Editor)

1990-01-01

The purpose of the workshop was to further explore and define the earth sciences requirements for the Information Sciences Experiment System (ISES), a proposed onboard data processor with real-time communications capability intended to support the Earth Observing System (Eos). A review of representative Eos instrument types is given and a preliminary set of real-time data needs has been established. An executive summary is included.

Women and Community Economic Development--Changing Knowledge, Changing Practice: A Summary of Research Results. NALL Working Paper #12.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Stratton, Mary; Levine, Barbara

A preliminary study explored how Canadian practitioners who are engaged in community economic development (CED) that includes or is specific to women gain new information relevant to their work and how they incorporate that new learning into their daily practice. Interview questions focused on sources of information, learning opportunities and…

Who Works with Young Children? Concepts and Issues of Staffing and Professionalization in European Countries.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Oberhuemer, Pamela

This is the preliminary report of a project collating information from 15 European Union countries on professionals serving infants through 14-year-olds in nonformal educational settings. Findings include: (1) There is a great range of variation in the training of individuals working in non-traditional education and child care; this ranges from…

Training Program for Individuals Working with Older American Indians Who Are Blind or Visually Impaired. Training Manual.

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

White, Keith; And Others

This manual is intended for people who are preparing to work with older American Indians with visual impairments and who have limited or no training in this area. Emphasis is on basic orientation and mobility skills and daily living skills. Preliminary information covers the following: the eye, definitions, the visually impaired population, and…